discomfit

verb

dis-ˈkəm(p)-fət How to pronounce discomfit (audio)
Definition of discomfitnext
1
as in to frustrate
to prevent from achieving a goal constant interruptions discomfited her in her attempt to finish the speech, and she finally gave up

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to embarrass
to throw into a state of self-conscious distress he was discomfited by the awkward situation of having his ex-girlfriend meet his current one

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb discomfit contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of discomfit are abash, disconcert, embarrass, and rattle. While all these words mean "to distress by confusing or confounding," discomfit implies a hampering or frustrating accompanied by confusion.

hecklers discomfited the speaker

When is abash a more appropriate choice than discomfit?

In some situations, the words abash and discomfit are roughly equivalent. However, abash presupposes some initial self-confidence that receives a sudden check, producing shyness, shame, or a feeling of inferiority.

abashed by her swift and cutting retort

When could disconcert be used to replace discomfit?

The synonyms disconcert and discomfit are sometimes interchangeable, but disconcert implies an upsetting of equanimity or assurance producing uncertainty or hesitancy.

disconcerted by finding so many in attendance

When can embarrass be used instead of discomfit?

The words embarrass and discomfit can be used in similar contexts, but embarrass implies some influence that impedes thought, speech, or action.

the question embarrassed her so much she couldn't answer

In what contexts can rattle take the place of discomfit?

While in some cases nearly identical to discomfit, rattle implies an agitation that impairs thought and judgment.

rattled by all the television cameras

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 discomfit This new perspective has been a discomfiting change to many. —Baltimore Sun Editorial Board, Baltimore Sun, 11 Nov. 2024 The points this story makes about the human capacity for empathy, who merits collective forgiveness, and the stubborn persistence of the death penalty are discomfiting. —Sarah Weinman, The Atlantic, 31 Oct. 2024 Greeley also faced vicious political attacks, discomfiting even for a man who was accustomed to controversy. —Greg Daugherty, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Sep. 2024 Five city employees testified that Jacobs subjected them to unwanted, inappropriate or otherwise discomfiting physical contact at work, including a forcible kiss, massages, squeezes and tight hugs. —Tom Dreisbach, NPR, 3 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for discomfit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discomfit
  1. frustrate
  2. embarrass
  3. baffle
  4. confuse
  5. disconcert
  6. fluster
Verb
  • Although so highly esteemed, the notoriously taciturn director would often frustrate his colleagues by his reticence to explain his directorial intentions.
    — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The team settled on a patient with SD Autism Spectrum disorder who had an ankle sprain but frustrated Dr. Langdon (Patrick Ball) with his endless questions.
    — Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of frustrate
Verb
  • Mariah Carey just pulled a classic mom move by embarrassing her teenage son in front of his friends.
    — Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 5 Apr. 2025
  • The leaking was intended to embarrass Bork, whose nomination was ultimately rejected by the U.S. Senate albeit for reasons unrelated to his rental list.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of embarrass
Verb
  • Two endangered whales are baffling researchers by continuing to show up along a stretch of U.S coast that is not part of their turf, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries.
    — Mark Price, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025
  • President Donald Trump’s mass tariffs have baffled Americans, creating uncertainty for the average consumer, according to industry leaders.
    — Charles Singh, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of baffle
Verb
  • No one was going to confuse Colossal with the Sierra Club.
    — D. T. Max, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Few foods confuse foreign visitors quite like brunost, Norwegian brown cheese.
    — David Nikel, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of confuse
Verb
  • The first 10 minutes of USC’s NCAA tournament debut had been disconcerting enough already.
    — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2025
  • The young actor has a disconcerting awareness of the roiling potential of his changing body.
    — Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2025
Definition of disconcert
Verb
  • Max Fried doesn’t get flustered.
    — Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Many of the world’s best players left flustered by Pete and Alice Dye’s grand examination.
    — Justin Ray, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of fluster

Browse Nearby Words

discombobulations
discomfit
discomfited
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Cite this Entry

“Discomfit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discomfit. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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