as in self-deprecating
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Recent Examples of self-deprecatory
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
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
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
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
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His themes intersect with those of Kiarostami—an anti-authoritarianism that, though no less radical, is an ironic, self-deprecating one.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
27 Mar. 2026
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Gosling seems like a strong fit given his knack for blending self-deprecating and sometimes oddball humor with some serious dramatic chops.—
Brian Welk,
IndieWire,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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For instance, many people praised former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s empathetic, self-effacing leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, with an openness and deference to experts.—
Barret Michalec,
The Conversation,
19 Feb. 2026
-
The self-effacing Kress downplayed the moment.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Unlike the expansive battlefields and grand monuments that make up much of the park service, the Women’s Rights National Historical Park blends into the rest of the town, two unassuming brick buildings accompanied by an outdoor memorial and a small parking lot.—
Beverly Gage,
The Atlantic,
5 Apr. 2026
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These unassuming covers are a surprisingly good addition to many kitchens, according to shoppers.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The glassy, 36-story building offers an appealingly down-to-earth, accessible, community-minded style of luxury that’s right at home in a city renowned for its food, culture, and friendliness.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
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There are also more down-to-earth shows like 1883 and Tulsa King.—
Chris McMullen,
Space.com,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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While many people have been introduced to English choral services through the angelic voices of the choristers in flowing robes and Elizabethan ruffs who sing at royal weddings and carol services, choirs perform every day in much more humble settings.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Colagreco’s hero restaurant espouses a sustainable gastronomy—in this case, elevating the humble British vegetable.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
That included a meek loss in Toronto, with Murray not participating on the second night of a back-to-back following a blowout loss at Detroit.—
Law Murray,
New York Times,
30 Mar. 2026
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The other, meek and mild-mannered.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
23 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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But while the Supreme Court has historically been deferential to presidents on immigration issues, defining who is an American by birth is different, according to longtime immigration law scholar Stephen Yale-Loehr.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
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At the start of the season, there was a deferential aspect to Jakucionis’ play, including his shooting.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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And Reilly is aces at playing aw-shucks-who-me innocence while Gary enjoys the best of both worlds, as his friend Eric slyly points out during a dinner party.—
Sheri Linden,
HollywoodReporter,
16 Mar. 2026
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For great swaths of his career, Jimmy Stewart played wholesome, aw-shucks kinds of fellows who stood knock-kneed before women.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
14 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-deprecatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-deprecatory. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026.
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