self-effacing

ADJECTIVE

modest

Synonyms

STRONGEST

coy discreet humble reticent unassuming unobtrusive unpretentious

WEAK

backward bashful blushing chaste demure diffident lowly meek moderate nice proper prudent quiet reserved resigned retiring seemly self-conscious sheepish shy silent simple temperate timid unassertive unassured unboastful unpresuming unpretending withdrawing

Antonyms

STRONGEST

brave flaunting forward pretentious

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Whatever his intention with this self-effacing and possibly insulting answer, Mr. Newsom seemed unschooled in the dialogue of politics.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

"He's very self-effacing about it - I think that he just knew he was not cut out for it," he says.

From BBC • Mar. 2, 2026

In the pilot, she is insecure and self-effacing; when a car almost runs her over, she apologizes to the driver.

From Salon • Dec. 15, 2025

He has a wide smile and an easygoing, self-effacing way about him.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 21, 2025

Robert is self-effacing; still, he’s a self-confident person.

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner

Vocabulary lists containing self-effacing

Flowers for Algernon

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"Curtis Aikens and the American Dream" and "Go For It!"

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All My Sons

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