as in uncomfortable
causing embarrassment
an embarrassing failure of memory inauspiciously marked my first appearance as an actor
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in confusing
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in impeding
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
3
as in complicating
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
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of embarrassing
Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 July 2025
Flops are embarrassing, even for a company that’s worth $3 trillion and can afford to subsidize a filmmaker’s vision.
—Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2025
In the end, this expectant father learned a valuable — and slightly embarrassing — lesson: sometimes, the best thing to say during a poignant moment is nothing at all.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 28 June 2025
There are occasions when a cliché is actually useful, such as to fill an embarrassing silence.
—David Crystal
june 27, Literary Hub, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for embarrassing
Adjective
The jury has spoken and prosecutors in the prestigious Southern District of New York should take this very embarrassing loss and move on.
—Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 July 2025
Flops are embarrassing, even for a company that’s worth $3 trillion and can afford to subsidize a filmmaker’s vision.
—Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2025
In the end, this expectant father learned a valuable — and slightly embarrassing — lesson: sometimes, the best thing to say during a poignant moment is nothing at all.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 28 June 2025
There are occasions when a cliché is actually useful, such as to fill an embarrassing silence.
—David Crystal
june 27, Literary Hub, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for embarrassing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for embarrassing
Adjective
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As the narrative has expanded into continuation and origin stories, like Dexter: New Blood and Dexter: Original Sin, Hall, 54, has returned as Dexter Morgan for even more uncomfortable experiences, while still out for blood.—
Jeff Conway,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
-
Looking cute doesn’t have to mean feeling uncomfortable.—
Averi Baudler,
People.com,
11 July 2025
Verb
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Mehta highlighted how business units stow data, impeding cross-functional collaboration.—
Christer Holloman,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
-
The slow development of hydrogen fueling infrastructure remains a critical challenge, impeding widespread adoption.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
FOXNews.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Advertisement Advertisement To illustrate this point, consider the best man at a wedding who, instead of celebrating the couple, shares personal stories that only serve to embarrass them, often with awkward details that have no place in such a tender moment.—
Matt Abrahams,
Time,
12 July 2025
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An historic night at Madison Square Garden on Friday night turned into an awkward moment in the wee hours of Saturday morning at the Taylor-Serrano 3 post-fight press conference.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
12 July 2025
Adjective
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But many of the Blues’ outings have been unpleasant because of high temperatures and storms, and six games across the tournament have been paused for poor weather conditions, angering manager Enzo Maresca.—
Dan Bernstein,
Sportico.com,
8 July 2025
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My other wildlife standoff involved a much cuter animal, but potentially far more unpleasant.—
Ernie Cowan,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 July 2025
Adjective
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The fire is in difficult country with access issues and firefighters are evaluating options for the right flank and head of the fire.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
5 July 2025
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Being governor of an American state is one of the great jobs in politics, and Lamont has been a notable success after a difficult start in 2019.—
Kevin Rennie,
Hartford Courant,
5 July 2025
Verb
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The young actor has a disconcerting awareness of the roiling potential of his changing body.—
Doreen St. Félix,
The New Yorker,
22 Mar. 2025
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Even without Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota’s size remains disconcerting to the Nuggets, especially when Aaron Gordon is out.—
Bennett Durando,
The Denver Post,
13 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The robot also managed to get up from a face-up position, even with a bag obstructing its view.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
24 Mar. 2025
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Stay High and Dry To avoid obstructing impressive scenery, a hog-wire railing framed in wood wraps this deck, which is set high above the water.—
Libby Monteith Minor,
Southern Living,
22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Scientists have found a new way to cheat the system – which is both ingenious and disturbing.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
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Depictions of nuclear war became more serious and disturbing, breaking Hollywood conventions about happy endings.—
Tom Nichols,
The Atlantic,
10 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Embarrassing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/embarrassing. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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