as in embarrassed
concerned with the way one is perceived by others
He used to feel self-conscious about his belly.
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Recent Examples of self-conscious
Growing up as a self-conscious kid in a bustling big city, Nyro learned to summon that confidence from within.
—
Sam Sodomsky,
Pitchfork,
24 May 2026
Now there is space for the remaining patients to occupy their seats without the self-conscious drawing-in of arms and legs that comes from sitting too close to a stranger.
—
Literary Hub,
20 May 2026
Laith is starved for playmates and nurturing male company, self-conscious of his awkward position as the sole male in an otherwise all-female environment.
—
Jay Weissberg,
Variety,
17 May 2026
As anachronisms constantly threaten to puncture the illusion, the cast stays wry, nimble and self-conscious in order to locate plot points and jokes that reinforce the golden-age radio setting, scribbling notes and introducing characters that propel them through ludicrous narrative arcs.
—
John Wenzel,
Denver Post,
23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-conscious
Sam Sodomsky,
Pitchfork,
24 May 2026
Now there is space for the remaining patients to occupy their seats without the self-conscious drawing-in of arms and legs that comes from sitting too close to a stranger.
—
Literary Hub,
20 May 2026
Laith is starved for playmates and nurturing male company, self-conscious of his awkward position as the sole male in an otherwise all-female environment.
—
Jay Weissberg,
Variety,
17 May 2026
As anachronisms constantly threaten to puncture the illusion, the cast stays wry, nimble and self-conscious in order to locate plot points and jokes that reinforce the golden-age radio setting, scribbling notes and introducing characters that propel them through ludicrous narrative arcs.
—
John Wenzel,
Denver Post,
23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-conscious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-conscious
Adjective
-
Harry was both ‘excited’ and ‘embarrassed’ to bring Meghan there.
-
An embarrassed Penny sprints away, setting off a chain of events that intertwine their lives.
Adjective
-
As the nation gears up to celebrate its 250th birthday, most Americans feel uneasy about their present, and pessimistic about their future, polls show.
-
Sanders takes an uneasy step, into his wonderful, painful childhood.
Adjective
-
The conclusions from these findings are both uncomfortable and freeing.
-
Francisco Lindor is injured, and other guys just look uncomfortable.
Cite this Entry
“Self-conscious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-conscious. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
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