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.

So self-effacing is Rembrandt, in fact, that some portraits, and this is one, seem to have come into being independent of human agency.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 24, 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

Vaill also takes exception to the characterization of Eliza as self-effacing.

From Slate • Oct. 21, 2025

“It’s more of a self-effacing humor. Their favorite target is themselves. And John did that. On screen, I felt his willingness and joy in self-effacing humor that never really veered into self-loathing humor.”

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 8, 2025

I am glad to be living with this kind couple, whose quiet, self-effacing manner I am coming to understand.

From "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline

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

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!