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
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Recent Examples of embarrassment
Some led to major embarrassments.
—
Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 2 Jan. 2026
The incident became a major embarrassment for the United States.
—Scott Neuman, NPR, 2 Jan. 2026
The camera lingers on Linda as the assessment sinks in, her teary-eyed embarrassment quickly tempered into polite, but shaky, indifference.
—Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 26 Dec. 2025
Because a common strategy for avoiding the embarrassment of reading aloud is to act in a way that results in being sent to the principal’s office, dyslexic students are often treated primarily as discipline problems.
—David Owen, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for embarrassment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for embarrassment
Noun
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Multiple helpers can slow response during urgent scams and create confusion when fast decisions matter.—
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The category confusion continued this year.—
Noun
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Joint pain that turns stairs into obstacles.—
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One other obstacle the White House will need to contend with, Hochstein said, is blowback from Gulf countries and from China.—
Noun
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Chávez, who died of cancer in 2013, avoided such a humiliation.—
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Awkward, yes, but a far cry from the open humiliation of the Ukrainian leader that played out in the Oval Office in February.—
Noun
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Billing Headaches Clearing the access hurdles to HIV prevention medicine was just the beginning.—
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Development of Greenland’s mineral resources is challenging because of the island’s harsh climate, while strict environmental controls have proved an additional hurdle for potential investors.—
Noun
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The Broadway production capitalizes on discomfort, keeping tension taut and surprises around every corner.—
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In certain situations, drinking lemon water may cause discomfort or may not be recommended.—
Noun
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In the aftermath, hundreds of rioters were charged with federal crimes, including assault, seditious conspiracy and obstruction of an official proceeding.—
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William DeFoor was identified as the suspect, and jail records show he was booked Monday on charges of vandalism, obstruction of official business, criminal damaging or endangering, and criminal trespass.—
Noun
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Mia Goth’s dual roles add another layer of unease.—
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Political turmoil added to unease up North.—
Noun
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Engineers used a Deep Trench Isolation Center Cut design to improve pixel separation and reduce signal interference.—
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Byfield’s goal seven minutes later was unsuccessfully challenged for interference by Jets coach Scott Arniel.—
Cite this Entry
“Embarrassment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/embarrassment. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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