Definitions

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.

But to call your Swedish soccer opponents ”a bunch of cowards” seems rather self effacing.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 20, 2016

In comparison with the “White Elephant Art” of other “true” crime films and TV shows, the presentation of “Murderer” is earnest, unkempt, and completely self effacing, with the filmmakers nowhere in evidence.

From Salon • Jan. 4, 2016

She was so self effacing about it, she would never say that she had met all these people and been to all these places.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2010

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!