self-effacing

adjective

ˌself-i-ˈfā-siŋ How to pronounce self-effacing (audio)
Definition of self-effacingnext
as in withdrawn
not comfortable around people he's dating a sweet, self-effacing girl

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 As far as first impressions go, this initial exchange proves that Ortega is equal parts self-effacing and silly. — Madeline Hirsch, InStyle, 8 Apr. 2026 Christian Bale’s $22 Million Off-Screen Project While Bale was being self-effacing on the red carpet, his work off-screen tells a different story. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2026 Modesty Shines Through Each Episode Their self-effacing banter between one another throughout each podcast is a very pleasant alternative to the loud, boastful discourse often heard from other sports podcasts. — Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 22 Feb. 2026 For instance, many people praised former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s empathetic, self-effacing leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, with an openness and deference to experts. — Barret Michalec, The Conversation, 19 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-effacing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-effacing
  1. withdrawn
  2. shy
  3. bashful
Adjective
  • The withdrawn earnings are taxed as ordinary income, the Treasury said.
    — Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 11 July 2026
  • Without daily contact with peers, some children become more withdrawn, lonely or emotionally flat.
    — John Samuels, Forbes.com, 8 June 2026
Definition of withdrawn
Adjective
  • McBride finished one point shy of her career high set in 2018.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 14 July 2026
  • After the How to Make a Killing actress, 31, and the Bleachers frontman, 42, separated just shy of their third wedding anniversary, an insider says the pair simply had different outlooks on life.
    — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 14 July 2026
Definition of shy
Adjective
  • Over the course of a few days, this bashful teen, always armed with her camcorder and far less free-spirited than her cousins, will be beset by her father’s feuding family.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • Overall and head-to-head goal differential are tiebreakers for group placement, and the Norwegians won’t be bashful about scoring as many times as possible.
    — Julian Cardillo, Boston Herald, 15 June 2026
Definition of bashful

Browse Nearby Words

self-educated
self-effacing
self-employed
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Cite this Entry

“Self-effacing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-effacing. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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