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self-effacing



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 how did this seemingly quiet, retiring child and self-effacing bureaucrat turn into a president who so avidly embraced the limelight?

From BBC • May 30, 2026

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

When Harris acted the way that vice presidents normally do — subservient, self-effacing, careful never to poach the spotlight from the chief executive — it was seen as a failing.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 12, 2025

John was followed shortly by two men about our age from Louisville—Jim and Chuck, both real nice fellows, self-effacing and funny.

From "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson




Vocabulary lists containing self-effacing


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