SELF-DEPRECATORY Synonyms: 135 Similar and Opposite Words

self-deprecatory

adjective

Definition of self-deprecatory

as in self-deprecating

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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-deprecatory But my favorite joke was the self-deprecatory one. — Jayna Bardahl, New York Times, 15 May 2026 Prior to sharing his self-deprecatory costume, Vance marked the holiday with another one of his viral memes. — Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 1 Nov. 2025 His TikTok alone is a treasure trove of hilarious videos, which range from self-deprecatory humor to him hopping on whatever viral trend is tickling his fancy. — Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 23 Aug. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-deprecatory

Adjective

Some like Bakhtiar and Marcus opt for dynamic color palettes and spicy missives, while others create self-deprecating mascots and smart brand collaborations.

— Megan Sauer, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026
During his seven-minute monologue, which consisted mainly of self-deprecating jokes about his appearance and weight, Gillis had a bit about going to the gym.

— Maya Salam, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of self-deprecating

Adjective

Wever plays Joni, a sharp and self-effacing local detective who’s deeply unimpressed by almost everything.

— Peter White, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026
Thankfully, Brandon is one of Austen’s most introspective suitors, and Nordrum is not unlike the character in real life — thoughtful, gentle and a little self-effacing.

— Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of self-effacing

Adjective

Here, George played with the Four Vests, a local rockabilly group, singing Chuck Berry and Hank Williams at VFW Post 3479 — the unassuming location of the very first live performance by a Beatle in the United States.

— Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
The trombonist Cutler is played by Terence Archie as stolid, unassuming and quietly in control.

— Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of unassuming

Adjective

Flashbacks of sartorial elegance from the 1890s are unmistakable here, but the luxe, boutique property is also down-to-earth and comfortable.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026
Its inclusion in the corridors of power is characteristic of the 52-year-old executive, whom colleagues describe as committed, charismatic and down-to-earth.

— Jenny B. Fine, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of down-to-earth

Adjective

Different generations will get misty-eyed over various models Schwinn produced, from the humble safety bike to the Sting-Ray, which took its design cues from American muscle cars, to sleek race bikes such as the Paramount.

— Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 19 Oct. 2026
Obeying Christ, the soon-to-be disciples got a hands-on lesson in the power of deeper, more humble prayers rather than surface-level efforts.

— The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of humble

Adjective

Moore plays Mona, a meek, thoroughly unseen wife and mother who impulsively decides to audition for a community theater musical despite having no experience.

— Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
The visitors were meek and the poorest performers of the four opponents, but how much of that is down to the way Leeds played?

— Beren Cross, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of meek

Adjective

All that requisite lightness and deference when there was nothing light or deferential about her.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026
Its rules about transfers and conference membership seem arbitrary and deferential to the Southeastern and Big Ten conferences, college football's most influential.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of deferential

Adjective

Romo was arrested in July on suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated in Wisconsin, a moment that stained his image as the aw-shucks, clean-cut football star who has become one of the best on-air personalities in the game.

— Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026
Ted himself would never say so, of course — he’d aw-shucks the notion via some convoluted reference to a beloved ’80s movie.

— Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of aw-shucks

Browse Nearby Words

self-deprecatingly

self-deprecatory

self-despair

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“Self-deprecatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-deprecatory. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of self-deprecatory

adjective

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