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 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 The outward-facing woman was self-effacing and gracious and vivacious, a compassionate listener. Rachel Aviv, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024 The self-effacing Tunney wasn’t incognito to a lot of his students. Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 15 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for self-effacing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-effacing
Adjective
  • Its influence on the withdrawn protagonist, Jamie (played by Owen Cooper), is largely implied.
    Paula Mejía, The Atlantic, 16 Apr. 2025
  • The withdrawn San Francisco drama, about lonely nonbinary nanny and restaurant server Cass (Asia Kate Dillon), is simple in its presentation, but disguises numerous layers to its story.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • By the end of regulation, Nylander had played only 15.5 minutes, a smidge less than Tavares, who was just shy of 16.
    Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Mostly cloudy skies will keep temperatures around 65 degrees in the metro Saturday, which is just a few degrees shy of the average of 68 for this time of year.
    Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Cher was bashful to be busted but then couldn’t help laughing out loud at the audacity.
    Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Or maybe the movie’s stars are just feeling a bit bashful!
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 11 Mar. 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 1 May. 2025.

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