self-deprecating

Definition of self-deprecatingnext
as in humble
formal meant to make yourself or the things you do seem unimportant He spoke in a self-deprecating tone. self-deprecating humor

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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-deprecating Haaland has been the World Cup’s biggest personality; a self-deprecating, smiling figurehead that has seldom looked happier than in a golden month with Norway. Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 10 July 2026 All this was built on a self-deprecating stand-up persona that made hay of middle-aged masculinity. Alison Herman, Variety, 30 June 2026 Much of his early content consisted of sketch comedy and self-deprecating homemade short films. Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2026 Choi is more than a little self-deprecating. Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-deprecating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-deprecating
Adjective
  • In a statement posted on social media, Obama highlighted Parton’s humble roots, colossal impact in music and Hollywood, and her philanthropic work.
    Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2026
  • In her songs, stage banter and interviews, Parton always presented herself as a humble, yet audacious mountain dreamer made good.
    Jewly Hight, NPR, 25 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Howard recruited Winkler to star in his 1982 comedy Night Shift, as a meek morgue worker whose life is radicalized by a new hire played by Michael Keaton.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Closer to home, Liverpool have shown the pitfalls of an expensive facelift, splurging record sums on Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak last summer only to free-fall from champions to a meek fifth-place finish.
    Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Self-deprecating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-deprecating. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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