SELF-CRITICAL Synonyms: 87 Similar and Opposite Words

self-critical

adjective

Definition of self-critical

as in diffident

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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-critical And was obviously very talented and very intelligent to do so serious and self-critical work, which was really a breakthrough in this field. — Mariel Carr, Scientific American, 20 Mar. 2026 Sensitive and self-critical at times, this zodiac sign is deeply aware of how others perceive them — qualities that mirror her portrayal of Cassie Howard. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 13 Apr. 2026 The upshot of Yale’s report, which is by far the most self-critical of the three, is that administrators bear much of the responsibility for higher education’s current predicament. — Rose Horowitch, The Atlantic, 27 June 2026 Should Arsenal suffer the double disappointment of missing out on the Premier League and Champions League, the highly self-critical Spaniard may have doubts over whether to continue. — James McNicholas, New York Times, 5 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-critical

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-critical

Adjective

As the trailer tells us, the pleasantly diffident Mona (Moore) is thrown way out of orbit following an audition for a musical show.

— Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 23 June 2026
To strangers, Kay seemed demure, diffident, even shy, an impression her youthful appearance helped create.

— Charlotte Brooks, Big Think, 13 Mar. 2026

Definition of diffident

Adjective

The Knicks then defined teamwork during their postseason surge past the Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers and Spurs, coming together as a cohesive, egoless juggernaut.

— Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 16 June 2026
That team featured players who cut, moved, shot, and hit the open man with an egoless ease.

— Michael Powell, The Atlantic, 3 June 2026

Definition of egoless

Adjective

But where the Baron is timid and bumbling, Krasznahorkai is expansive, charming, and courtly.

— Merve Emre, New Yorker, 28 June 2026
Playing Mary Bennet — Elizabeth’s younger and more timid sister — Bruccoleri set out to portray the coming of age story of a Regency woman.

— Arushi Jacob, Variety, 25 June 2026

Definition of timid

Adjective

Teoscar Hernández was back from a hamstring injury, and a little bit humble.

— Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
America's favorite investment has changed over time In 2008, as the Great Recession descended, Americans picked the humble savings account (and the certificate of deposit) as their favorite long-term investment in Gallup polls.

— Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 30 June 2026

Definition of humble

Adjective

This film, so seemingly unassertive, apparently rambling and plotless, has a devastating impact and aftershock.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2026
Avoiding is unassertive and uncooperative, where an individual tends to give up on their own needs and acquiesce to the desires of others by disengaging from the situation altogether.

— Ellen Choi, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025

Definition of unassertive

Browse Nearby Words

self-controlled

self-critical

self-denial

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“Self-critical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-critical. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of self-critical

adjective

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