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 Often, during the events, the producers displayed the scores for only the top-10 contestants, shielding from embarrassment those who struggled. — Matt Viser, The Atlantic, 13 Aug. 2026 For the Indian government, the scandal was seen by some a political embarrassment, triggering protests by the opposition. — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026 Loving something enthusiastically—a person, or an artist and their art—always risks embarrassment and the loss of dignity. — Literary Hub, 6 Aug. 2026 The film ends up with raucously funny situations buoyed by piercing second-hand embarrassment. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 5 Aug. 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
  • The new on-pitch laws… There was confusion at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium in the first round of the Carabao Cup, when substitute Fin Cartwright was held back from entering the pitch straight away.
    — George Edwards, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The confusion is that Italian etiquette is not the same as Italian-American etiquette, where the continuing use of the spoon is not uncommon.
    — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of confusion
Noun
  • Travelers leaving Ceuta and Melilla, Spain’s other territory in North Africa, are subject to exit checks at ports and airports, an obstacle for migrants who enter the territories illegally and hope to reach the European continent.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The design is meant to move around any obstacles, including the free weights collection near your pilates mat, meaning no more sweaty spots in your home gym.
    — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of obstacle
Noun
  • Certainly not a humiliation for you or the president whose idea this was!
    — Alexandra Petri, The Atlantic, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The humiliation and fear leave many victims feeling alone and unsure of where to go.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of humiliation
Noun
  • Russia's small and medium businesses already have been hit hard by tax increases, regulatory hurdles and, most recently, a fuel crisis from attacks on oil refineries.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Harper Hutton, 12, of Aurora Flyers, placed second in the girls pentathlon high jump, fourth in the pentathlon 80-meter hurdles and pentathlon long jump and fifth in the girls pentathlon shot put.
    — Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of hurdle
Noun
  • And my discomfort and exhaustion and stink and hunger and homesickness rarely waned, for more than five months.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Aug. 2026
  • That may feel uncomfortable after such a long rally, but discomfort alone has never been much of a reason to sell.
    — Andrew Graham, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of discomfort
Noun
  • Rachel Moser is charged with hindering the apprehension of a fugitive, tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse, conspiracy to commit tampering of evidence, conspiracy to commit abuse of a corpse and obstruction.
    — Michael Guise, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Some may also face charges for battery, obstruction and resisting a police officer.
    — Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of obstruction
Noun
  • Global economic instability has created unease at home, and a property crisis coupled with high youth unemployment has convinced some residents that securing a stable job within the government is the best path.
    — Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • There's more unease about opportunities among younger generations.
    — Anthony Salvanto, CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of unease
Noun
  • Trailing 3-1, the Royals loaded the bases with one out in the ninth on a catcher's interference call, a single and a walk.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • There were five false starts, four offensive holding calls and one each for ineligible player downfield, defensive holding and offensive pass interference.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 18 Aug. 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 23 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on embarrassment

Nglish: Translation of embarrassment for Spanish Speakers

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