EMBARRASS Synonyms: 156 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'embarrass' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of embarrass are abash , discomfit , disconcert , and rattle . While all these words mean "to distress by confusing or confounding," embarrass implies some influence that impedes thought, speech, or action. // the question embarrassed her so much she couldn't answer

Q: When might 'abash' be a better fit than 'embarrass'?

The synonyms abash and embarrass are sometimes interchangeable, but abash presupposes some initial self-confidence that receives a sudden check, producing shyness, shame, or a feeling of inferiority. // abashed by her swift and cutting retort

Q: In what contexts can 'discomfit' take the place of 'embarrass'?

The meanings of discomfit and embarrass largely overlap; however, discomfit implies a hampering or frustrating accompanied by confusion. // hecklers discomfited the speaker

Q: When would 'disconcert' be a good substitute for 'embarrass'?

While in some cases nearly identical to embarrass , disconcert implies an upsetting of equanimity or assurance producing uncertainty or hesitancy. // disconcerted by finding so many in attendance

Q: Where would 'rattle' be a reasonable alternative to 'embarrass'?

The words rattle and embarrass can be used in similar contexts, but rattle implies an agitation that impairs thought and judgment. // rattled by all the television cameras

embarrass

verb

im-ˈber-əs

Definition of embarrass next

as in to confuse

to throw into a state of self-conscious distress the modest young soldiers were embarrassed by the public praise for their heroism

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to impede

to create difficulty for the work or activity of a lot of this paperwork is unnecessary and just embarrasses the organization

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to complicate

to make complex or difficult claims that the new government regulations will needlessly embarrass the operations of small businesses in the state

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb embarrass contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of embarrass are abash, discomfit, disconcert, and rattle. While all these words mean "to distress by confusing or confounding," embarrass implies some influence that impedes thought, speech, or action.

the question embarrassed her so much she couldn't answer

When might abash be a better fit than embarrass?

The synonyms abash and embarrass are sometimes interchangeable, but abash presupposes some initial self-confidence that receives a sudden check, producing shyness, shame, or a feeling of inferiority.

abashed by her swift and cutting retort

In what contexts can discomfit take the place of embarrass?

The meanings of discomfit and embarrass largely overlap; however, discomfit implies a hampering or frustrating accompanied by confusion.

hecklers discomfited the speaker

When would disconcert be a good substitute for embarrass?

While in some cases nearly identical to embarrass, disconcert implies an upsetting of equanimity or assurance producing uncertainty or hesitancy.

disconcerted by finding so many in attendance

Where would rattle be a reasonable alternative to embarrass?

The words rattle and embarrass can be used in similar contexts, but rattle implies an agitation that impairs thought and judgment.

rattled by all the television cameras

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of embarrass But the fanbases of those games are not buying it, and have undergone a campaign to embarrass Musk as much as possible about his claims, dragging him into childish internet fights. —

Paul Tassi, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025 And, yes, some justices should also regret embarrassing the court by needlessly attracting attention to their ethics. —

Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025 The Rams will play at Philadelphia on Sunday in a divisional game, and the Eagles embarrassed them at home, 37-20, in Week 12. —

Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2025 Earlier this week, Welch embarrassed Pritzker by squashing a bill the governor had made a high priority; specifically, to bar the sale of potent gummies infused with synthetic THC to children. —

The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for embarrass

Recent Examples of Synonyms for embarrass

Verb

Some residents have confused local law enforcement for ICE agents, said Earl Stoddard, an assistant chief administrative officer in Montgomery County, a sign of locals' anxieties that their neighborhood could be the agency's next target.

— DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFF FROM WIRE REPORTS, arkansasonline.com, 25 Jan. 2025
After a whirlwind of speculation and confusing back-and-forth negotiations, the Jacksonville Jaguars have officially hired former Tampa Bay offensive coordinator Liam Coen as their new head coach.

— Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 25 Jan. 2025