as in withdrawn
not comfortable around people
he's dating a sweet, self-effacing girl
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Recent Examples of self-effacing
See more The sisters are funny and self-effacing in their delivery.
—
Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for self-effacing
Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for self-effacing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-effacing
Adjective
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Set in Taiwan in 1988, Girl revolves around Hsiao-lee, a quiet and withdrawn girl, growing up in silent gloom.—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
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Unfortunately, further discussions were heated with no resolve, just more withdrawn behavior while the communications continued.—
Abigail Van Buren,
Boston Herald,
30 July 2025
Adjective
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Leaving thousands of cases behind Former Judge Angela Munro received the email in April notifying her that her employment would be terminated and placed on administrative leave — just a few days shy of the end of her two-year probationary period.—
Ximena Bustillo,
NPR,
13 Aug. 2025
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And as the Phillies look for a solution, the manager won't be shy about his expectations for composure on the mound.—
Peter Chawaga,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The next morning, Onley was bashful at hearing that praise.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
22 July 2025
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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
Cite this Entry
“Self-effacing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-effacing. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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