as in withdrawn
not comfortable around people
he's dating a sweet, self-effacing girl
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of self-effacing
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
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
See All Example Sentences for self-effacing
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
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
See All Example Sentences for self-effacing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-effacing
Adjective
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My main criticism is its withdrawn camera, which is set too far away from the action in most stages.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
30 Apr. 2025
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Parents watch as their once-curious children become withdrawn, dreading school instead of embracing it.—
Claudia Nachtigal,
Baltimore Sun,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Kardashian hasn't been shy about linking her career in law to Elle Woods since her journey began.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
23 May 2025
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Read More: Why Trump and South Africa Are at Odds American officials were not shy about their racial biases.—
Time,
Time,
22 May 2025
Adjective
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Cher was bashful to be busted but then couldn’t help laughing out loud at the audacity.—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
3 Apr. 2025
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Or maybe the movie’s stars are just feeling a bit bashful!—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
11 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-effacing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-effacing. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
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