as in embarrassed
concerned with the way one is perceived by others
He used to feel self-conscious about his belly.
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Recent Examples of self-conscious
Eva agrees to dance with Frank, and Richie helps Frank feel less self-conscious about his role as stepdad.
—
Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 27 June 2025
Adorable Riley is now 13, which means Anxiety (Maya Hawke) has made her way to Headquarters, usurping Joy’s (Amy Poehler) authority and turning this precocious teen into a self-conscious stress ball desperate to be liked.
—Will Leitch, Vulture, 19 June 2025
There’s also concern that kids are becoming self-conscious earlier, pressured to present a polished image both on and offline.
—Dia Gallo, Parents, 17 June 2025
Her name is Judy and — this is a point Hitchcock doesn't try to conceal — she’s played by Novak, whose awkward, self-conscious performance is memorably perfect for the film's odd scenario.
—Tom Gliatto, People.com, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-conscious
Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 27 June 2025
Adorable Riley is now 13, which means Anxiety (Maya Hawke) has made her way to Headquarters, usurping Joy’s (Amy Poehler) authority and turning this precocious teen into a self-conscious stress ball desperate to be liked.
—Will Leitch, Vulture, 19 June 2025
There’s also concern that kids are becoming self-conscious earlier, pressured to present a polished image both on and offline.
—Dia Gallo, Parents, 17 June 2025
Her name is Judy and — this is a point Hitchcock doesn't try to conceal — she’s played by Novak, whose awkward, self-conscious performance is memorably perfect for the film's odd scenario.
—Tom Gliatto, People.com, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-conscious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-conscious
Adjective
-
Acknowledging and even flaunting your skilled use of AI is actually a career booster, not something to be embarrassed about.—
William Arruda,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
-
Bill and Hillary [the Clintons] are going to be very embarrassed.—
Kate Plummer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 July 2025
Adjective
-
Pico’s other headsets are not sold in North America and ByteDance and the Trump administration have an uneasy relationship at best.—
Chris Morris,
Fortune,
15 July 2025
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The carpenters’ stance has created a split in the labor movement that makes lawmakers uneasy and sometimes spills into public view.—
CalMatters,
Mercury News,
13 July 2025
Adjective
-
But a slightly uncomfortable conversation is better than resentment.—
Eric Thomas,
Sun Sentinel,
11 July 2025
-
Looking cute doesn’t have to mean feeling uncomfortable.—
Averi Baudler,
People.com,
11 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-conscious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-conscious. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.
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