SELF-CONSCIOUS Synonyms: 85 Similar and Opposite Words

self-conscious

adjective

Definition of self-conscious

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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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 self-conscious Laith is starved for playmates and nurturing male company, self-conscious of his awkward position as the sole male in an otherwise all-female environment. — Jay Weissberg, Variety, 17 May 2026 About 32% of Gen Z feel self-conscious speaking only English abroad, compared with just 15% of those over 55. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 May 2026 But what really sinks Coward is the self-conscious grandiosity with which the director strains for lofty emotional peaks in moments that instead come off as hollow and artificial. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2026 Cárdenas talked with episode director Trey Edward Shults about the right way to illustrate the Bowdens’ POV and landed on a number of devices that would alter reality without becoming overly self-conscious. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-conscious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-conscious

Adjective

On the flip side, however, the USA could not get past the Round of 16, being outplayed and embarrassed by Belgium in a 4-1 defeat at Lumen Field in Seattle on Wednesday night.

— Michael Lewis, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Practically speaking, shoes are an easier, less expensive and fraught acquisition than clothes (few people are embarrassed by their shoe size).

— Rachel Tashjian, CNN Money, 26 June 2026

Definition of embarrassed

Adjective

Despite the full lineup and passionate patriotic crowd in Seattle, Team USA looked uncomfortable from the start, fell behind early, made sloppy mistakes and could not keep up with the Belgians, who move on to face Spain in the quarterfinals.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026
Upworthy reported that constant multitasking and algorithm-driven content have trained a lot of people’s brains to treat stillness as uncomfortable, pointing out that the average person keeps five to 10 browser tabs open at once.

— Allison Palmer July 7, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026