as in self-deprecating
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Recent Examples of self-deprecatory
Though it’s been less than two weeks since Conan O’Brien made his Oscars hosting debut, the famously self-deprecatory comedian is already discussing how things could’ve gone differently.
—
Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 15 Mar. 2025
But here, Astrov, given great self-deprecatory wit by William Jackson Harper, is more dimensional than usual, including, for once, an interest in trees that’s as painfully visceral as his interest in Elena.
—Jesse Green, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2024
Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 15 Mar. 2025
But here, Astrov, given great self-deprecatory wit by William Jackson Harper, is more dimensional than usual, including, for once, an interest in trees that’s as painfully visceral as his interest in Elena.
—Jesse Green, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-deprecatory
Adjective
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Taurasi accepted the well-wishes while also taking a self-deprecating jab at herself.—
Michael Gallagher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Aug. 2025
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The bus and its older sibling, a micro-passenger car dubbed the Beetle or Bug, were part of a phenomenal marketing campaign complete with clever, self-deprecating ads.—
Greg Petro,
Forbes.com,
30 July 2025
Adjective
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With perfect timing, a self-effacing delivery made for banquets, only Denehy could tell them just right.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
26 July 2025
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Many of his opinions are unorthodox and expressed with a freewheeling exuberance generally unknown in a profession—classical-music criticism—that is normally self-effacing and respectful, if not carpet-slipper timid and dull.—
David Denby,
New Yorker,
20 July 2025
Adjective
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The original action comedy got its kicks (sorry) and laughs from his family members slowly discovering that their unassuming patriarch is actually a secret bad ass.—
Scott Phillips,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
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Nearly every restaurant in the region carries at least one brew from the unassuming Palisade Brewing Company, which also serves amazing sandwiches.—
Shauna Farnell,
Denver Post,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Combs found his own pathway to the top of the radio charts and festival circuit as a down-to-earth softie.—
Althea Legaspi,
Rolling Stone,
1 Aug. 2025
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Though these are superheroes, the screenplay is smartly written to depict down-to-earth family bonds, a unit striving to uphold their values, working together to raise a child, and combining different skillsets for the greater good of humanity.—
Lynnette Nicholas,
Parents,
23 July 2025
Adjective
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The film stars Mark Feuerstein as Rabbi Mo, a humble leader in a high-desert Jewish community who is thrust into the role of reluctant warrior after a violent attack shakes his world.—
Eric E. Harrison,
Arkansas Online,
14 Aug. 2025
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Chelsea may go into the new Premier League campaign wearing a gold badge on their shirts that marks them out as reigning world champions after their triumph in the United States last month but, internally, the message from the club hierarchy is to stay humble and keep working.—
Liam Twomey,
New York Times,
13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Subsequently, Pakistan also bargained down the new American tariffs on its goods from 29% to 19% — relatively meek next to India’s rate.—
Andreas Kluth,
Mercury News,
14 Aug. 2025
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That 19% share is meek compared with where U.S. investors are most intensely busy – in states with small populations and tourism hooks.—
Jonathan Lansner,
Oc Register,
21 July 2025
Adjective
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Alston also gave the Court an opportunity to clarify the NCAA is not owed a deferential standard of review on antitrust claims.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
31 Mar. 2025
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Yet this week the president was notably deferential to his Israeli counterpart on questions about the future of Gaza.—
Ellen Mitchell,
The Hill,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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Like Francona, Miley’s aw-shucks facade belies an understanding of the game that borders on genius.—
C. Trent Rosecrans,
New York Times,
16 June 2025
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Monologuing for an hour and a half is no walk in the park, but the genial A-lister tackles the task at hand with aw-shucks charisma and confidence.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
13 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-deprecatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-deprecatory. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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