Synonyms of self-consciousnext
1
a
: conscious of one's own acts or states as belonging to or originating in oneself : aware of oneself as an individual
b
: intensely aware of oneself : conscious
a rising and self-conscious social class
also : produced or done with such awareness
self-conscious art
2
: uncomfortably conscious of oneself as an object of the observation of others : ill at ease
self-consciously adverb
self-consciousness noun

Examples of self-conscious in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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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 Tim Curry’s magic lay in his ability to be outrageous without being self-conscious, Tom Nichols writes. David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 27 Aug. 2026 People use it to mark the start of a night, to wind down and to feel less self-conscious around others. Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 2026 There is no self-conscious thought, or anxiety over the outcome. Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-conscious

Word History

First Known Use

1632, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-conscious was in 1632

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Cite this Entry

“Self-conscious.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-conscious. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

self-conscious

adjective
self-con·​scious
ˈself-ˈkän-chəs
: uncomfortably conscious of oneself as an object of the observation of others
self-consciously adverb
self-consciousness noun

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