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 Still, getting ourselves out via some traction boards would have saved on money, frustration and the embarrassment that accompanies getting stuck less than a mile from the highway. — New Atlas, 1 Oct. 2026 Crowds are dwindling at Daikin Park, where boos became the background noise and biggest story of this two-game embarrassment against the White Sox. — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2026 Then came three more defeats, capped by a 12-1 embarrassment on Saturday against the AL East champion Rays. — CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026 The revocation become a national story, and a source of embarrassment within TCU’s small, loyal community. — Mac Engel september 24, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Sep. 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
  • According to MedlinePlus, symptoms can include a sudden severe headache, sudden dizziness or trouble walking, sudden confusion, and sudden numbness or weakness in the face.
    — Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Other online missives expressed optimism, but many revealed some combination of grief, confusion, and fear.
    — Jordana Cepelewicz, Quanta Magazine, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of confusion
Noun
  • Galarza said misconceptions about electric stoves are the largest obstacle to broader use.
    — Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Read More Roborock’s Saros 20 stands out for its ability to climb tall thresholds, avoid obstacles with impressive accuracy, and clean under low furniture thanks to its slim design.
    — Brad Bourque, The Verge, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of obstacle
Noun
  • There is humiliation here, claustrophobia, physical vulnerability and an intimacy that occasionally brushes against the erotic.
    — Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Beyond the ugly-duckling implications and the patent objectification and humiliation of women, the show’s portrayal of plastic surgery itself struck me as dark and sort of sickening.
    — Jolene Edgar, Allure, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of humiliation
Noun
  • This year, for example, Regan dropped an initiative that would have restricted hospital executives’ pay, in exchange for the California Hospital Association not imposing new administrative hurdles on unions pursuing political campaigns.
    — Nicholas Lemann, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026
  • One of the biggest hurdles the state faces is communicating to the public the importance of these fires.
    — Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of hurdle
Noun
  • Megelin Red Light Heating Glove Red light therapy, in context of the hands, has been linked to decreases in joint swelling, improved circulation, and the alleviation of arthritic discomfort.
    — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Some laboratory tests might involve only the discomfort of a blood draw or the awkwardness of collecting a urine or stool sample, but others carry the possibility of physical harm.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of discomfort
Noun
  • He was sentenced to concurrent life terms in federal prison on six charges, nearly 12 years on a firearm conspiracy charge and 10 years on an obstruction of justice charge.
    — Angie DiMichele, Sun Sentinel, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Where Montoya lived Montoya faces charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States, possession of false immigration documents, use of false immigration documents and obstruction of agency proceedings.
    — Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of obstruction
Noun
  • When presented together and thought juxtapositionally, the works launch visitors onto an emotional pendulum that pivots from exhilaration to unease and distress.
    — Tina M. Campt, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The survey quantifies the sense of unease and frustration many customers of these new-wave insurers feel.
    — Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of unease
Noun
  • Seeman was banned two games for swearing at Trey McBride after Arizona's star tight end argued for a pass interference call when he was hit by a defender before the ball arrived.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Last week, Rams coach Sean McVay said the NFL privately acknowledged that officials incorrectly called defensive pass interference against Los Angeles in the closing moments of its Week 3 loss to Denver, nullifying an interception.
    — Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of interference

Phrases Containing embarrassment

Browse Nearby Words

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 9 Oct. 2026.

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