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as in withdrawn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 But behind the self-effacing demeanor, allies of Ms. Wiles said, is a woman who can wield a scalpel. — Elisabeth Bumiller, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025 The outward-facing woman was self-effacing and gracious and vivacious, a compassionate listener. — Rachel Aviv, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024 The self-effacing Tunney wasn’t incognito to a lot of his students. — Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 15 Dec. 2024 Cher is a bracing read, peppered with caustic quips and self-effacing anecdotes, but fundamentally frank. — Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 21 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for self-effacing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-effacing
  1. withdrawn
  2. shy
  3. bashful
Adjective
  • Nicky Jam has released his first project since facing stark backlash for his (withdrawn) endorsement of Donald Trump.
    — Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Children may express anxiety by becoming distant, withdrawn, agitated, upset, or avoiding social contact.8 4.
    — Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 27 Feb. 2025
Definition of withdrawn
Adjective
  • And yet Francis has never been shy about showing his frailty, age or infirmities in ways that seem unthinkable for public figures for whom any sign of fragility can threaten their authority and undermine their agenda.
    — Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Farrah Abraham is a big fan of plastic surgery, and she’s never been shy about sharing the work she’s gotten done over the years.
    — Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of shy
Adjective
  • While maybe not made for the bashful, the floor-to-ceiling glass doors are incredible at expanding the space—and enjoying every last drop of water from the shower.
    — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Jan. 2025
  • Smith’s ambition to present a no-frills establishment is no indication of a bashful pedigree.
    — Lyndsay C. Green, Detroit Free Press, 6 Mar. 2024
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 2 Apr. 2025.

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