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 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 As recently widowed Irene Chao, Liu trades her signature strut for a self-effacing shuffle, using makeup not to accentuate her beauty but to downplay it. Peter Debruge, Variety, 6 June 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  • Set in Taiwan in 1988, Girl revolves around Hsiao-lee, a quiet and withdrawn girl, growing up in silent gloom.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  • Unfortunately, further discussions were heated, with no resolve, just more withdrawn behavior while the communications continued.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
  • However, at the Budapest world championships in 2023, Alfred was just shy of a podium finish in both of her events.
    Katelyn Hutchison, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Instead, the president hasn’t been shy about wanting elite colleges to foot the bill.
    Liam Knox, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The next morning, Onley was bashful at hearing that praise.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 22 July 2025
  • Her brand of studied, bashful flightiness began to seem more passé than winkingly subversive.
    Mayukh Sen, The Atlantic, 9 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Self-effacing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-effacing. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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