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 Mountbatten-Windsor’s ties to Epstein have been a source of embarrassment to the royal family for more than a decade. — ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026 Mountbatten-Windsor’s relationship with Epstein has been a source of embarrassment to the royal family for more than a decade and forced him to give up royal duties in 2019. — Danica Kirka, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026 Still, the final score was 31-14, a conclusive win for Ohio State, but hardly the embarrassment of Alabama-MSU. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026 The top state institutions stranded us in a state of embarrassment. — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 5 Oct. 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
  • Election experts have said many instances of noncitizens registering to vote are a result of administrative error or confusion on the part of the immigrant — not intentional criminality.
    — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The confusion unfolded as a steady stream of women’s half-marathon runners crossed the finish line.
    — Vivian Yao, Baltimore Sun, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of confusion
Noun
  • Icy weather, snowstorms, obstructive foliage and rugged terrain along the wild Rockies were just some of the obstacles Ben Nickell and Anne Koski faced on a 10-year journey to climb the highest point in each of Idaho’s 44 counties.
    — Harllie Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Long before launch, the team faced obstacles that nearly thwarted the endeavor — chiefly, two rejections from NASA — before finally securing the green light for the $1 billion project under the New Frontiers Program in 2011.
    — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of obstacle
Noun
  • But duration turns the screw—prolonged humiliation or a slow unfolding toward future self-recrimination.
    — Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
  • But whatever Schadenfreude Lamb might be feeling about his rival’s humiliation is checked by concern over how much her operation has compromised his agents, past and present.
    — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of humiliation
Noun
  • Our main hurdle has always been convincing people to pay for a cinema ticket to watch two episodes of a series.
    — Annika Pham, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Most of the K-pop festivals that have been announced over the last few years never went ahead due to various logistical hurdles.
    — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of hurdle
Noun
  • Meta’s efforts to scapegoat staff seem to ignore that staff expressed discomfort in being directed to pirate work.
    — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Any adjustment should follow rules established in advance, not be motivated by your discomfort with the position.
    — Thomas Hartmann, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of discomfort
Noun
  • The subpoenas concern possible obstruction of justice in the handling of cases before federal judges, the source said.
    — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Robertson said those concerns include obstruction of pedestrian and car traffic, collisions into infrastructure, and effects on pets and children.
    — Victor Jacobo, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of obstruction
Noun
  • When the line between general unease with not knowing crosses into anxiety that interferes with daily life, people should seek professional help, said Dugas.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Beyond elevated yield levels, the widening spread between French and German benchmark sovereign bonds reflects growing investor unease over France's fiscal trajectory and debt servicing capacity.
    — , CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of unease
Noun
  • Repeating this argument for more than four waves reveals that there are many more possibilities for destructive than for constructive interference.
    — Philipp Strasberg, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The vote had faced concerns of possible foreign interference after Canadian newspaper the Globe and Mail reported Republican operatives had assisted top separatist leaders with their independence bid.
    — Max Saltman, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 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 21 Oct. 2026.

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