1
as in confusions
the emotional state of being made self-consciously uncomfortable
experienced the great embarrassment of tripping while on stage
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in obstacles
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 embarrassments
The professional embarrassments even take place at the level of state supreme courts.
—
Martin Kaste, NPR, 3 Apr. 2026
That’s not only because judges are fining more lawyers for their laziness, but because the publicity about these embarrassments has been inescapable.
—Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
But often those intentions stumble into a political quagmire where democratic dreams turn into civil war, once-compliant dictators become embarrassments and American soldiers return home in body bags.
—Tim Sullivan, Fortune, 1 Mar. 2026
While the turnout had indeed been strong, the decision also came across as an attempt to steady the narrative after a series of logistical embarrassments, reframing disruption as demand.
—The Ai Insider, Interesting Engineering, 23 Feb. 2026
But anomaly detection may have prevented embarrassments like the one at OPERA.
—IEEE Spectrum, 3 Feb. 2026
All the teams ran largely reliably and there were no major embarrassments playing out in front of the public and the media.
—Luke Smith, New York Times, 31 Jan. 2026
Vulnerability is currency on reality television, and after a season of exposing their own struggles and embarrassments, the other women are annoyed that Meredith wants to keep up appearances.
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 7 Jan. 2026
Some led to major embarrassments.
—Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 2 Jan. 2026
Martin Kaste, NPR, 3 Apr. 2026
That’s not only because judges are fining more lawyers for their laziness, but because the publicity about these embarrassments has been inescapable.
—Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
But often those intentions stumble into a political quagmire where democratic dreams turn into civil war, once-compliant dictators become embarrassments and American soldiers return home in body bags.
—Tim Sullivan, Fortune, 1 Mar. 2026
While the turnout had indeed been strong, the decision also came across as an attempt to steady the narrative after a series of logistical embarrassments, reframing disruption as demand.
—The Ai Insider, Interesting Engineering, 23 Feb. 2026
But anomaly detection may have prevented embarrassments like the one at OPERA.
—IEEE Spectrum, 3 Feb. 2026
All the teams ran largely reliably and there were no major embarrassments playing out in front of the public and the media.
—Luke Smith, New York Times, 31 Jan. 2026
Vulnerability is currency on reality television, and after a season of exposing their own struggles and embarrassments, the other women are annoyed that Meredith wants to keep up appearances.
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 7 Jan. 2026
Some led to major embarrassments.
—Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 2 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for embarrassments
Noun
-
Before the Lost Weekend, John and Yoko had their New York Year — turning their personal confusions into beautifully vivid moments of rage and pain.—
Rob Sheffield,
Rolling Stone,
14 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The finale is leading to a big convention showdown between Hypergnosis and PINATA, which are each working through obstacles that any responsible company would iron out before going public with their product.—
Scott Tobias,
Vulture,
17 May 2026
-
The incidents involving contact with chains, trailer hitches, poles, and curbs indicate recurring limitations in detecting smaller or irregular obstacles, especially during reversing maneuvers.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
By creating an antibiotic-free fermentation system, the researchers believe the platform could face fewer regulatory hurdles in future industrial applications.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
20 May 2026
-
The bill needed strong backing in the House, as it was passed under suspension, which requires a two-thirds majority vote and sidesteps certain procedural hurdles.—
Claire Carter,
The Washington Examiner,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
If safe, residents are asked to remove any obstructions to the public street, right of way, and sidewalk.—
Jennifer McRae,
CBS News,
6 May 2026
-
But the Scot hooked his second shot from a wet fairway on the 609-yard closing hole — a par 5 that yielded only 10 birdies in the final round — and even after getting relief from temporary immovable obstructions, MacIntyre could only hit wedge to 30 feet.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
5 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Embarrassments.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/embarrassments. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
