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

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

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 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 Such a radical dismantling of intellectual assumptions -- which are rooted in a seemingly ineradicable faith in progressive secularization -- would no doubt discomfit Anderson. —Pankaj Mishra, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2013 Those passages were both discomfiting and electrifying. —Roxana Robinson, TIME, 18 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for discomfit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for discomfit

Verb

In battle royale games like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Call of Duty: Warzone, death is an immediate elimination, which can frustrate streamers trying to get exciting footage for their viewers — and there’s nothing more exciting than a win.

— Alyssa Mercante, Rolling Stone, 20 Mar. 2025
Any armchair sleuths hoping to test their clue-cracking skills will be left similarly frustrated by the fact breadcrumbs are practically non-existent throughout.

— Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 20 Mar. 2025