as in withdrawn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
Cher is a bracing read, peppered with caustic quips and self-effacing anecdotes, but fundamentally frank.
—
Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 21 Nov. 2024
With his self-effacing sense of humor and willingness to dive fully into any character, Paul was perfect for the part.
—Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 18 Nov. 2024
An… The Brink of Peace: The Israeli-Syrian Negotiations An informed, thoughtful, and refreshingly self-effacing insider's study of a four-year negotiation.
—Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2024
From the premiere stage, Hoult recalled his excitement at discovering Eastwood wanted him for the film’s central role but also the director’s self-effacing dig at his own advancing age.
—Chris Lee, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for self-effacing 
Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 21 Nov. 2024
With his self-effacing sense of humor and willingness to dive fully into any character, Paul was perfect for the part.
—Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 18 Nov. 2024
An… The Brink of Peace: The Israeli-Syrian Negotiations An informed, thoughtful, and refreshingly self-effacing insider's study of a four-year negotiation.
—Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2024
From the premiere stage, Hoult recalled his excitement at discovering Eastwood wanted him for the film’s central role but also the director’s self-effacing dig at his own advancing age.
—Chris Lee, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for self-effacing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-effacing
Adjective
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Steve Mariucci and the coaching staff didn’t seem to know what to make of Rice, who had become more temperamental and withdrawn.—
Jerry McDonald,
The Mercury News,
12 Feb. 2025
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The expressions on these youthful figures are intent and heartfelt: obedient, frightened, absorbed, wary, withdrawn, cruel, proud, sly, or shy.—
Michael Bracewell,
Artforum,
1 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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In all, just shy of 7,000 claims have been filed in the six weeks of the new year, or about 55% more than in the prior six-week period.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
15 Feb. 2025
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But biodegradable straws made by Good Start Packaging cost just shy of three cents, Jacobus said.—
Vanessa Yurkevich,
CNN,
14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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McNally is professionally bashful about such associations.—
Matthew Schneier,
Vulture,
29 Jan. 2025
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Some of the folks were happy to have their pictures taken, while others were more bashful and/or private, preferring that only their watch be photographed.—
Allen Farmelo,
Robb Report,
26 Nov. 2024
Articles Related to self-effacing
Thesaurus Entries Near self-effacing
Cite this Entry
“Self-effacing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-effacing. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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