embarrassment

noun

im-ˈber-əs-mənt How to pronounce embarrassment (audio)
Definition of embarrassmentnext
1
as in confusion
the emotional state of being made self-consciously uncomfortable experienced the great embarrassment of tripping while on stage

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in obstacle
something that makes movement or progress difficult a big suitcase filled with clothes proved to be more an embarrassment than a convenience on my trip

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of embarrassment Sitting around a table in the soundstage where the pilot for I Love Lucy was filmed, the six of them tailored the roles to the actors and infused the script with arguments, embarrassments, and confessions from their own relationships. — Eliana Dockterman, Time, 26 June 2026 The 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence has been shaping up as, well, frankly, somewhere between an embarrassment and a fiasco. — David Frum, The Atlantic, 1 July 2026 But after Wednesday night, after the New York Mets endured a six-error embarrassment in a 10-5 loss to the Chicago Cubs, the need to change managers was obvious. — Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 26 June 2026 Either way, the development is a public embarrassment for Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek, whose antagonistic, foot-dragging attitude in negotiations with his young core finally cost him dearly. — Greg Beacham, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for embarrassment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for embarrassment
  1. confusion
  2. obstacle
  3. humiliation
  4. hurdle
  5. discomfort
  6. obstruction
  7. unease
  8. interference
Noun
  • Even though talks with the Boston Red Sox at last year’s deadline never got close, the confusion provided by an incorrect tweet announcing Ryan’s trade to New England put the pitcher at the top of every trade list before the season even began.
    — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 6 July 2026
  • There have been confusion and contradictions in the lead up to the visit over accommodation arrangements for the Sussex family.
    — Max Foster, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Definition of confusion
Noun
  • But even Johnson is not immune to the bruising consequences of dealing with a president who critics say treats Congress as an obstacle, instead of an equal — frequently flexing his power through executive orders.
    — Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Crews can drive directly into rivers or lakes without installing additional equipment, allowing the vehicle to continue moving even when water obstacles stand in the way.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 July 2026
Definition of obstacle
Noun
  • Instead, much of the rest of the soccer world will likely feel vindication – and more than a little bit of satisfaction at American humiliation on such a huge stage.
    — Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • The iconic bunny costume moment, when Elle is tricked into showing up to a non-costume party wearing a Playboy bunny get-up, was the catalyst for exploring how Elle was able to shake that humiliation off.
    — Scarlett Harris, IndieWire, 6 July 2026
Definition of humiliation
Noun
  • To directly address these technical, safety, and regulatory hurdles, the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and the international energy technology firm Eni have established a new commercial engineering services company named RH3OVA.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 5 July 2026
  • There are still some hurdles to get Trout to the game this year.
    — Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 5 July 2026
Definition of hurdle
Noun
  • Red Sox starting pitcher Connelly Early left the game after the fourth inning with left elbow discomfort.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 1 July 2026
  • But protecting children from failure and discomfort is not the same as protecting children.
    — Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
Definition of discomfort
Noun
  • He was charged with hindering apprehension, obstruction of justice and tampering with evidence in connection with this case.
    — Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 2 July 2026
  • Amber Moree, 21, was arrested on Tuesday and has been charged with accessory after the fact of murder, obstruction of justice and misprision, according to the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office.
    — Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 2 July 2026
Definition of obstruction
Noun
  • To convey the family’s internal unease, Cárdenas landed on a number of devices that were subtle but significant in terms of changing the optics of the series.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 3 July 2026
  • Declassified British documents from the 1960s revealed government unease over the presence of the micronation, as well as eventually shelved plans to bomb it.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 June 2026
Definition of unease
Noun
  • It was destroyed in the name of urban renewal and has borne the brunt of government interference and disinvestment.
    — Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 30 June 2026
  • The ruling retained the Fed’s special status in the government that shields it from interference by the White House—now or in the future.
    — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 30 June 2026
Definition of interference

Phrases Containing embarrassment

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embarrassing
embarrassment
embarrassment of riches
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Cite this Entry

“Embarrassment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/embarrassment. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of embarrassment for Spanish Speakers

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