self-deprecatory

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 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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-deprecatory
Adjective
  • Some of Swift's best work comes from her self-deprecating moods, and this track, with its self-loathing but super catchy lyrics, is no exception.
    Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Oct. 2025
  • When Arnett’s character attempts open-mic standup at a comedy club with confessional, self-deprecating material, a whole new world opens for him.
    Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In execution, though, those sound principles produced a self-effacing Cartesian colossus — a massive hunk of boring.
    Justin Davidson, Curbed, 22 Sep. 2025
  • The quarterback has a self-effacing sense of humor and a goofy giggle that rang out several times in his postgame news conference.
    Matt Barrows, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • After hours, a barista will usher you into Say Less Speakeasy, a lofty bar and lounge hidden behind an unassuming bookshelf just past the café register.
    Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Elly Roberts as Edith Mingott, sweet and unassuming cousin to May and Ellen.
    Joe Otterson, Variety, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Will Bonsall’s Essential Guide to Radical Self-Reliant Gardening is a detailed and practical guide from an experienced, down-to-earth farmer, drawing on 40 years of growing and eating his own food.
    Catherine Habgood September 29, Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Pleasant sounds, tastes, feelings, and aromas are high on the priority list for this warm, down-to-earth sign.
    Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • From the humble red dwarfs to the titanic supergiants, stars come in a dazzling array of sizes, colors, and lifespans.
    Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Heading into the season, Shough's had a humble headspace.
    Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Doherty, 30, is playing meek flower shop assistant Seymour in the treasured musical, about a strange and unusual plant that feeds only on human flesh and blood.
    Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2025
  • What threatened to be a meek, straight-sets exit for the 13th seed went full-metal crazy on match point down when Bonzi was interrupted from serving it out after a photographer absent-mindedly walked onto the court.
    Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Maryland’s appeal points to Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act, which instructs federal judges to be highly deferential in evaluating state criminal convictions.
    Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 24 Sep. 2025
  • The joke was neither too harsh nor too deferential.
    Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Played by the versatile Domhnall Gleeson, in a performance that couldn’t be more different from his memorably unnerving turns in The Patient and Black Mirror, incoming Truth-Teller editor-in-chief Ned Sampson has a sort of aw-shucks, pre-Ozark-Jason-Bateman vibe.
    Judy Berman, Time, 3 Sep. 2025
  • 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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Cite this Entry

“Self-deprecatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-deprecatory. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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