Synonyms of self-effacing

self-effacing

adjective

ˌself-i-ˈfā-siŋ 

as in withdrawn

not comfortable around people

he's dating a sweet, self-effacing girl

Synonyms & Similar Words

• withdrawn
• shy
• bashful
• modest
• lone
• introverted
• sheepish
• coy
• retiring
• diffident
• recessive
• backward
• demure
• reserved
• awkward
• embarrassed
• antisocial
• unsociable
• unassertive
• unsocial
• uptight
• self-conscious
• uneasy
• lone-wolf
• inhibited
• unadventurous
• unenterprising

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• outgoing
• extroverted
• social
• immodest
• gregarious
• sociable
• convivial
• companionable
• forceful
• bold
• boon
• uninhibited
• clubbable
• brash
• dashing
• unreserved
• forward
• overbold

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of self-effacing

The overbearing online explainers and the off-the-cuff fuzz-rockers and the nine-and-counting films and the self-effacing but also self-aggrandizing mockumentary spin out from the same very modern feeling that to be is to respond and react. — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 24 July 2026

Neither can be considered a compliment but in landing on a self-effacing authenticity, Haaland is building a huge audience. — Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 10 July 2026

Call it another twist in the story of an accidental heartthrob turned self-effacing star — or simply the irony of teller and tale — but despite his discomfort with visibility, Arlaud has become one of the most outspoken left-wing voices in contemporary French cinema. — Ben Croll, IndieWire, 12 May 2026

Lots of overnight successes grapple with fame on their follow-up album, and this subject matter intensifies Kahan’s already self-effacing lyricism. — Hannah Jocelyn, Pitchfork, 29 Apr. 2026