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Definitions

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.

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

But he likely worries, for good reason, they won’t continue to embarrass themselves by denying every round of Epstein stories being released about him.

From Salon • Dec. 29, 2025

Perhaps the biggest concern has been Dent’s inability to embarrass defenders like he did as a Lobo.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 12, 2025

The aim is to help the other person in a way that doesn’t shame or embarrass them, which reporting to HR or telling a manager would surely do.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 4, 2025

And since I don’t want to embarrass anyone by correcting them more than once, I just let them say my name any way they want.

From "Amina's Voice" by Hena Khan