DISCOMFIT Synonyms: 103 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

discomfit

verb

dis-ˈkəm(p)-fət

Definition of discomfit next

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

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

Examples 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 Those passages were both discomfiting and electrifying. —

Roxana Robinson, TIME, 18 July 2024 One discomfiting thing is how easily an act of deadly political violence has been slotted into all the usual meme templates. —

Kyle Chayka, The New Yorker, 17 July 2024 As such, students have long been the conscience of our culture, bringing awareness to uncomfortable issues, often using language that older folks find discomfiting. —

Noëlle McAfee, Scientific American, 13 June 2024 Although Ellis keeps Shanley’s play feeling fairly digestible, there are moments, as when Bernstine is on stage, when the discomfiting thrum of its title can still be felt. —

Sara Holdren, Vulture, 8 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for discomfit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for discomfit

Verb

But one of the smart pleasures of Walden is to watch its author gently frustrate the dramatic assumptions that filter in from A Streetcar Named Desire.

Sara Holdren, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024
Several counties statewide face a lengthy, two-page ballot that is likely to frustrate voters and lead to lines at the polls.

The Arizona Republic, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024