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as in withdrawn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 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 Yet at a vital moment of national self-representation, the design’s self-effacing dimensions stirred up far-reaching questions about scale, politics, and monumentality. — Ara H. Merjian, ARTnews.com, 16 Apr. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for self-effacing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-effacing
  1. withdrawn
  2. shy
  3. bashful
Adjective
  • In an era of ball-to-feet No 10s and withdrawn strikers, Welbeck stays high up the pitch, runs the channels and occupies defenders.
    — Liam Tharme, New York Times, 27 July 2026
  • The withdrawn earnings are taxed as ordinary income, the Treasury said.
    — Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 11 July 2026
Definition of withdrawn
Adjective
  • More to the point, another 7% gain would boost the league’s average delivery to a hair shy of 20 million viewers per game, which is a summit that even the mighty NFL would be hard pressed to reach.
    — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Incumbent District 6 Commissioner Mike Scott took about 49% of the vote Tuesday, falling just shy of enough votes to avoid a runoff.
    — Stephen Hudak, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of shy
Adjective
  • And Jonathan is a continuing reminder that liberalism doesn’t have to be apologetic or bashful about itself.
    — David Frum, The Atlantic, 29 July 2026
  • Cran-raspberry juice, pink lemonade concentrate, and grenadine provide its blush and bashful hue, while passionfruit juice cocktail gives it tropical flavors.
    — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 25 July 2026
Definition of bashful

Browse Nearby Words

self-educated
self-effacing
self-employed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-effacing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-effacing. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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