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
Others, however, may feel self-conscious, overwhelmed by the sensory overload – all the textures, commotion and bright colors, not to mention people staring at them.
—
Angela J. Narayan, The Conversation, 19 Dec. 2025
Some children may feel self-conscious about their choice, while others instantly embrace their new look.
—Matthew Kayser, Ascend Agency, 19 Dec. 2025
The Zohns felt self-conscious, judged, and often unwelcome.
—Lisa Hughes, CBS News, 19 Dec. 2025
Many people describe feeling self-conscious or embarrassed about uneven tone or dullness.
—Sherri Gordon, Parents, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-conscious
Angela J. Narayan, The Conversation, 19 Dec. 2025
Some children may feel self-conscious about their choice, while others instantly embrace their new look.
—Matthew Kayser, Ascend Agency, 19 Dec. 2025
The Zohns felt self-conscious, judged, and often unwelcome.
—Lisa Hughes, CBS News, 19 Dec. 2025
Many people describe feeling self-conscious or embarrassed about uneven tone or dullness.
—Sherri Gordon, Parents, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-conscious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-conscious
Adjective
-
The reporter who asked Lynch about the substation seemed embarrassed to be talking about it, and most reasonable people clearly understand that the idea is far-fetched.—
Kaitlyn Tiffany,
The Atlantic,
23 Jan. 2026
-
There would have been no awkward moment in the office, no teenager too embarrassed to ask questions, no doctor walking on eggshells.—
Anamika Shrimali,
STAT,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Chalk the moves up to uneasy investors.—
Brandon Kochkodin,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Kelly and King shake things up around the half-hour mark by venturing into the real world, where Grace (Cristin Milioti), the mother of two boys unusually far apart in age, starts being overcome by uneasy feelings about a cold dark void.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
When they’re installed without fixing underlying issues, homeowners can end up disappointed, uncomfortable or paying more than expected.—
Brynn Cooksey,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Lenses can crack, and frames can crack or warp in a way that makes wearing them difficult or uncomfortable.—
Alexis Simmerman,
Austin American Statesman,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-conscious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-conscious. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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