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-effacing Pamela is a self-effacing free spirit whose honesty and abandonment cast a spell on the embittered Wendall. Rance Collins, IndieWire, 20 Aug. 2025 With perfect timing, a self-effacing delivery made for banquets, only Denehy could tell them just right. Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 26 July 2025 Ed Ulbrich is fairly self-effacing about his calling as a builder of bridges between entertainment and technology. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 2 July 2025 In between her many, many self-effacing barbs, Glaser slid in some stingers about the guests seated before her. Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-effacing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-effacing
Adjective
  • Set in Taiwan in 1988, Girl revolves around Hsiao-lee, a quiet and withdrawn girl, growing up in silent gloom.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Unfortunately, further discussions were heated, with no resolve, just more withdrawn behavior while the communications continued.
    Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 30 July 2025
Adjective
  • The Broncos took possession at the 5-minute mark in the second half, converted one third down and then were stopped one yard shy on their next third down.
    Zach Berman, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • One model skipped, some walked barefoot, others were shy.
    Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Livestreaming isn’t the same as actually being there and seeing the fabric flow, the textures, the audience reaction and the bashful designer with their head down, forced onto the runway at the end of each show.
    Nadja Sayej, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Conrad is gorgeous yet bashful.
    Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 18 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!