as in withdrawn
not comfortable around people
he's dating a sweet, self-effacing girl
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
Bearing a flawlessly polite and self-effacing demeanor, Mr. Blinken spent countless hours trying to resolve and prevent conflict.
—Edward Wong, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
But behind the self-effacing demeanor, allies of Ms. Wiles said, is a woman who can wield a scalpel.
—Elisabeth Bumiller, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-effacing
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
Bearing a flawlessly polite and self-effacing demeanor, Mr. Blinken spent countless hours trying to resolve and prevent conflict.
—Edward Wong, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
But behind the self-effacing demeanor, allies of Ms. Wiles said, is a woman who can wield a scalpel.
—Elisabeth Bumiller, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-effacing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-effacing
Adjective
-
Often, people that indulge in this type of culture are considered anti-social or withdrawn, a stereotype that has been passed around for years.—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
-
People become irritable, withdrawn, or hyper-independent.—
Barnaby Lashbrooke,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
Adjective
-
However, Wicked arrived on Peacock on March 21, just shy of four months after the film opened in theaters.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
-
And Prim Rose is a 1-year-old girl who is energetic yet a little shy and has been waiting for a forever family since January.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 June 2025
Adjective
-
There are dozens of people screaming his name and the young Ronaldo appears bashful and shy.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
15 May 2025
-
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 5 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share