as in withdrawn
not comfortable around people
he's dating a sweet, self-effacing girl
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Recent Examples of self-effacing
The daughter of film stars George O’Brien and Marguerite Churchill, Orin shows a contagious enthusiasm for her craft, wedded to a surprisingly self-effacing attitude (especially for someone held up and cut down as a leading woman in her field).
—
Peter Debruge, Variety, 2 Mar. 2025
Although self-effacing and unfashionable, Hackman held special status within Hollywood — heir to Spencer Tracy as an everyman, actor’s actor, curmudgeon and reluctant celebrity.
—Hillel Italie, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2025
Friends and former colleagues say that General Caine, an intensely focused but low-key, self-effacing officer, has been uncomfortable with Mr. Trump’s characterization of his role in defeating the Islamic State.
—Eric Schmitt, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2025
Bearing a flawlessly polite and self-effacing demeanor, Mr. Blinken spent countless hours trying to resolve and prevent conflict.
—Edward Wong, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-effacing
Peter Debruge, Variety, 2 Mar. 2025
Although self-effacing and unfashionable, Hackman held special status within Hollywood — heir to Spencer Tracy as an everyman, actor’s actor, curmudgeon and reluctant celebrity.
—Hillel Italie, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2025
Friends and former colleagues say that General Caine, an intensely focused but low-key, self-effacing officer, has been uncomfortable with Mr. Trump’s characterization of his role in defeating the Islamic State.
—Eric Schmitt, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2025
Bearing a flawlessly polite and self-effacing demeanor, Mr. Blinken spent countless hours trying to resolve and prevent conflict.
—Edward Wong, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-effacing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-effacing
Adjective
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Often, people that indulge in this type of culture are considered anti-social or withdrawn, a stereotype that has been passed around for years.—
Dominick Williams,
Kansas City Star,
26 June 2025
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People become irritable, withdrawn, or hyper-independent.—
Barnaby Lashbrooke,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
Adjective
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Guests did not shy from donning some of the designer’s more out-there creations.—
Joelle Diderich,
Footwear News,
9 July 2025
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Talk about Travis Scott starts just shy of the 1:30 mark.—
Michael Saponara,
Billboard,
8 July 2025
Adjective
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There are dozens of people screaming his name and the young Ronaldo appears bashful and shy.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
15 May 2025
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But that hasn't stopped Chisholm, who is not bashful about adding chains and non-uniform colors to his look, from getting criticism.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
26 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-effacing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-effacing. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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