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.

This is not revelation: The defense secretary is well known for preening for the cameras with a level of self-regard that would embarrass most supermodels.

From Salon • Mar. 13, 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

The Justice Department’s release of its Jeffrey Epstein files has given some powerful people fresh fodder to embarrass their foes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 8, 2026

“To embarrass them, yes, but it’s to embarrass them to stop them and others from engaging from this conduct,” Hochman said.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 3, 2026

Mariela knows she is struggling, so when Volpe calls her out in front of the cast it is not a surprise, nor does it anger or embarrass her.

From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove

embarrass

Example Sentences

Related Words