self-deprecating

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 The self-deprecating humor came from watching his art school daughter become a Fortune 50 CMO and his philosophy major son become an accomplished outdoor industry executive. Omaid Homayun, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025 Along with Postcards from the Edge, this is Fisher’s most vital, soul-baring, and charmingly self-deprecating collection. Brian Boone, Vulture, 18 June 2025 Even really successful cast members are a little regretful or self-deprecating about it, or feel anxious even talking about it. Peter White, Deadline, 18 June 2025 Like his manager, Miley loves little more than a self-deprecating joke. C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-deprecating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-deprecating
Adjective
  • The company remains true to the humble ethic of hard work and friendly customer service embodied by the founding family.
    Emma Marsden, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025
  • These humble movie moments have now become the foundation of a trending dinner party format.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Raj’s meek voice could faintly be heard against the jarring cacophony of honking horns, street performers, and the chatter of street vendors and passersby.
    Footwear News, Footwear News, 24 June 2025
  • From small and relatively meek beginnings, proboscideans eventually evolved into herbivorous, elephantine giants with a broad array of different tusk arrangements and shapes.
    Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Self-deprecating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-deprecating. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

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