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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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
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
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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
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These humble movie moments have now become the foundation of a trending dinner party format.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
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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