SELF-CONSCIOUS Synonyms: 85 Similar and Opposite Words

self-conscious

adjective

Definition of self-conscious

as in embarrassed

concerned with the way one is perceived by others He used to feel self-conscious about his belly.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of self-conscious While the intentions may be good, these little dumbshow wanderings feel rather stiff and self-conscious. — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026 The term seems to imply a mastery of all the resources of a form, displayed in a surprising context without self-conscious artfulness. — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026 The executive allegedly applied dress and appearance standards inconsistently among female employees based on body type, which made Vasquez self-conscious about how she was perceived. — Jason Green, Mercury News, 2 Sep. 2026 Freddy’s backpack Strappy (Patton Oswalt) still talks, but the kids suddenly sound a little more adult and self-conscious, as if freed somehow (even though they’re being hunted by Buddy). — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-conscious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-conscious

Adjective

By the time Lee’s moved on to thanking his dad for not believing him, thereby giving him something to prove, an embarrassed Frances is making a quick run for the exit.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
Dallas got thoroughly embarrassed at home by a winless Buccaneers squad, surrendering 241 rushing yards and making an 0-4 offense look explosive.

— Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of embarrassed

Adjective

This defense needs to find a way to make quarterbacks uncomfortable without becoming blitz crazy, and that means Chop Robinson, Josh Uche and Malik Herring must step up and win more of their 1-on-1 assignments.

— Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 18 Oct. 2026
The dispute raised uncomfortable questions about the limits of political expression on a concert stage — questions Sheeran did not directly address Saturday night.

— Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 18 Oct. 2026