as in withdrawn
not comfortable around people
he's dating a sweet, self-effacing girl
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Recent Examples of self-effacing
The puppy-dog charisma that earned him unthreatening-heartthrob status at 23 has seasoned into a self-effacing, paternal affability.
—
Adam B. Vary, Variety, 9 Apr. 2025
The daughter of film stars George O’Brien and Marguerite Churchill, Orin shows a contagious enthusiasm for her craft, wedded to a surprisingly self-effacing attitude (especially for someone held up and cut down as a leading woman in her field).
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 2 Mar. 2025
Although self-effacing and unfashionable, Hackman held special status within Hollywood — heir to Spencer Tracy as an everyman, actor’s actor, curmudgeon and reluctant celebrity.
—Hillel Italie, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2025
Friends and former colleagues say that General Caine, an intensely focused but low-key, self-effacing officer, has been uncomfortable with Mr. Trump’s characterization of his role in defeating the Islamic State.
—Eric Schmitt, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-effacing
Adam B. Vary, Variety, 9 Apr. 2025
The daughter of film stars George O’Brien and Marguerite Churchill, Orin shows a contagious enthusiasm for her craft, wedded to a surprisingly self-effacing attitude (especially for someone held up and cut down as a leading woman in her field).
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 2 Mar. 2025
Although self-effacing and unfashionable, Hackman held special status within Hollywood — heir to Spencer Tracy as an everyman, actor’s actor, curmudgeon and reluctant celebrity.
—Hillel Italie, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2025
Friends and former colleagues say that General Caine, an intensely focused but low-key, self-effacing officer, has been uncomfortable with Mr. Trump’s characterization of his role in defeating the Islamic State.
—Eric Schmitt, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-effacing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-effacing
Adjective
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Notice if the child becomes withdrawn, anxious, or shows signs of distress connected to a friendship.—
Hannah Nwoko,
Parents,
10 July 2025
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Often, people that indulge in this type of culture are considered anti-social or withdrawn, a stereotype that has been passed around for years.—
Dominick Williams,
Kansas City Star,
26 June 2025
Adjective
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The unembellished style is well suited for Lake Orta, the quietly beautiful but shy little sister of northern Italy’s more glamorous resort towns.—
Ann Abel,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
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And that group never has been shy in expressing its confidence.—
Dan Wiederer,
Chicago Tribune,
20 July 2025
Adjective
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There are dozens of people screaming his name and the young Ronaldo appears bashful and shy.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
15 May 2025
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But that hasn't stopped Chisholm, who is not bashful about adding chains and non-uniform colors to his look, from getting criticism.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
26 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-effacing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-effacing. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.
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