embarrass

[em-bar-uhs] / ɛmˈbær əs /

VERB

cause mental discomfort

Synonyms

STRONGEST

agitate annoy bewilder bother confuse disconcert distract disturb dumbfound faze fluster irk mortify perplex perturb plague puzzle rattle shame stun upset

STRONG

abash bug chagrin discombobulate discomfit discompose discountenance distress nonplus tease throw

WEAK

catch one short give a bad time give a hard time hang up let down make a monkey of put in a hole put in a spot put on the spot put out of countenance show up throw into a tizzy

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aid appease calm clarify clear up comfort delight enlighten explain help make happy order organize please quiet soothe

WEAK

gladden

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Of course, characters will be put into embarrassing positions, or embarrass themselves, embarrassment being the root of all comedy, or near enough.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 8, 2026

They were blown away by Ireland at Twickenham as the men in green ran in five tries to embarrass Steve Borthwick's side 42-21.

From BBC • Feb. 23, 2026

“During my lifetime, reformers sought to embarrass CEOs by requiring the disclosure of the compensation of the boss compared to what was being paid to the average employee,” Buffett wrote.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 2, 2025

In Hostilities, players anonymously wrote questions intended to embarrass or enrage other players, the more intimate the better.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025

Danny wanted to remind the prince that he was pretty scared of drowning in a shallow stream not moments ago, but he didn’t want to embarrass him.

From "The Way to Rio Luna" by Zoraida Cordova

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