as in humiliated
to reduce to a lower standing in one's own eyes or in others' eyes
Philip was utterly humbled by a crushing defeat in the first round of the state chess tournament
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Recent Examples of humbled
The very soft spoken Depp seemed humbled to be welcomed from some audience members calling out to him.
—
Brian Welk, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2026
Biolos said he’s honored and humbled to be recognized by SIMA and share the night with the other honorees.
—Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 7 Apr. 2026
Meantime, what Michigan has done lately - cruised on a murderous March march that humbled Arizona into submission into the national semifinal - does matter.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 6 Apr. 2026
Michigan overpowered Arizona early and humbled the Wildcats all night long, turning the Final Four meeting billed as the Game of the Year into a 91-73 Wolverines highlight reel Saturday night.
—CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026
When confronted with the reality of the universe – an enormous starry void we humans are only beginning to understand – scientists and space explorers are often stunned and humbled by the extent of their own ignorance.
—Deana L. Weibel, The Conversation, 31 Mar. 2026
Be humbled by this moment and realize there’s truth in it.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 25 Mar. 2026
We are humbled and inspired by your willingness to stand in solidarity with us.
—Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026
Petzold had arrived arrogant and entitled; confronted by the technical ability and imagination of his peers, he was humbled, then stultified.
—Holden Seidlitz, New Yorker, 20 Mar. 2026
Brian Welk, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2026
Biolos said he’s honored and humbled to be recognized by SIMA and share the night with the other honorees.
—Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 7 Apr. 2026
Meantime, what Michigan has done lately - cruised on a murderous March march that humbled Arizona into submission into the national semifinal - does matter.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 6 Apr. 2026
Michigan overpowered Arizona early and humbled the Wildcats all night long, turning the Final Four meeting billed as the Game of the Year into a 91-73 Wolverines highlight reel Saturday night.
—CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026
When confronted with the reality of the universe – an enormous starry void we humans are only beginning to understand – scientists and space explorers are often stunned and humbled by the extent of their own ignorance.
—Deana L. Weibel, The Conversation, 31 Mar. 2026
Be humbled by this moment and realize there’s truth in it.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 25 Mar. 2026
We are humbled and inspired by your willingness to stand in solidarity with us.
—Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026
Petzold had arrived arrogant and entitled; confronted by the technical ability and imagination of his peers, he was humbled, then stultified.
—Holden Seidlitz, New Yorker, 20 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for humbled
Verb
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The series follows Sabrina (Ayres), who is humiliated and emotionally devastated after being betrayed by her boyfriend.—
Ed Meza,
Variety,
17 Apr. 2026
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Tiger Woods is reportedly reeling after his latest DUI arrest, humiliated by the fallout.—
Jessica Schladebeck,
New York Daily News,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
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New science and forensics have since discredited the expert’s conclusion, prompting Gurley to throw out the convictions and order a new trial.—
Shelly Bradbury,
Denver Post,
13 Apr. 2026
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In Mexico the loss of territory discredited the country’s conservative government and left many of its citizens unsure of their country’s future as an independent state.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The transparency issue also became important after the board embarrassed itself by quietly boosting board members’ pay by 25% — with Foley being the only member opposed.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
16 Apr. 2026
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And, as if embarrassed by the whole business, the show will do something crazy to blast the tear from your eye.—
Television Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Humbled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humbled. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
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