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
Kayte Spector-Bagdady, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2025
These errors in judgment often just result in frustration or an embarrassing moment.
—Elissa Kelly, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Matt then confessed an embarrassing moment that was holding him back from being honest with Howard.
—Julia Moore, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025
As the marketing meeting for Howard's film finally begins, Maya put Matt on the spot to deliver the note, only for Howard to recall, in detail, Matt's embarrassing suggestion from the screening of A Beautiful Mind in front of everyone.
—Julia Moore, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for embarrassing
Adjective
Much of this information could be embarrassing if it were inadvertently or intentionally revealed, such as a person’s intelligence.
—Kayte Spector-Bagdady, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2025
These errors in judgment often just result in frustration or an embarrassing moment.
—Elissa Kelly, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Matt then confessed an embarrassing moment that was holding him back from being honest with Howard.
—Julia Moore, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025
As the marketing meeting for Howard's film finally begins, Maya put Matt on the spot to deliver the note, only for Howard to recall, in detail, Matt's embarrassing suggestion from the screening of A Beautiful Mind in front of everyone.
—Julia Moore, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for embarrassing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for embarrassing
Adjective
-
After an Emanuel Sharp 3 made Duke officially uncomfortable (67-64, 33 seconds left), Tugler was one of three Houston players to tip a regrettable inbounds pass from James, setting off a frenzied sequence.—
Brendan Quinn,
New York Times,
6 Apr. 2025
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In addition to subjecting them to electric shocks for interrogations, guards would force prisoners to stand in uncomfortable positions and then hit them in the genitals or knock them to the ground, according to Shyshko.—
Patrick Reevell,
ABC News,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The slow development of hydrogen fueling infrastructure remains a critical challenge, impeding widespread adoption.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
FOXNews.com,
8 Apr. 2025
-
Mehta highlighted how business units stow data, impeding cross-functional collaboration.—
Christer Holloman,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Those who tried—in good faith or not—to come up with such a plan for Shoreham had to contend with Long Island’s awkward geography.—
Elizabeth Kolbert,
New Yorker,
7 Apr. 2025
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In fact, the timing of the 11th annual event in Santa Monica made for some awkward — even, some would say, problematic — optics and messaging for these celebrities.—
Martha Ross,
Mercury News,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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With the present geopolitical situation and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, landmines are making a very unpleasant comeback.—
David Szondy,
New Atlas,
10 Apr. 2025
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In our testing, the formula feels like a gel-serum—and doesn't get heavy, gloopy, or otherwise unpleasant.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Third, operational command of Kamikaze planes is difficult because results cannot be evaluated with any accuracy.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2025
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Instead, the major drama comes in the form of Ivy’s corruption by her acting coach, as Ivy gradually goes method and becomes as difficult to work with as Marilyn was (one of this musical’s many meta moments).—
Christian Lewis,
Variety,
11 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The young actor has a disconcerting awareness of the roiling potential of his changing body.—
Doreen St. Félix,
The New Yorker,
22 Mar. 2025
-
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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Other times, Claude’s mental activity seems super disturbing and maybe even dangerous.—
Steven Levy,
Wired News,
28 Mar. 2025
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Just as disturbing and bizarre, at least one juror originally didn’t want to convict Zeigler at all and didn’t vote to do so until after that same judge ordered the bailiff to give her a Valium.—
Scott Maxwell,
The Orlando Sentinel,
26 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Embarrassing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/embarrassing. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.
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