as in shy
not comfortable around people
a sheepish scholar who is most comfortable when surrounded by books
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Recent Examples of sheepish
Everyone there loves to party, except for Saira (Shabana Azeez), the ruling queens’ only daughter, a sheepish 23-year-old with extreme self-esteem issues.
—
Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 8 July 2025
Then Dimitrov suffered what looked like a serious pectoral injury on a serve in the third set and, just like that, Sinner advanced in the most sheepish way possible.
—Chris Branch, New York Times, 8 July 2025
The committee shared a laugh at the congressman’s sheepish realization, and the vote continued.
—Meredith Kile, People.com, 15 May 2025
Someone who asks for something directly versus someone who opts for a more sheepish approach marks a good example of the outcomes of one's upbringing.
—David Oliver, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sheepish
Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 8 July 2025
Then Dimitrov suffered what looked like a serious pectoral injury on a serve in the third set and, just like that, Sinner advanced in the most sheepish way possible.
—Chris Branch, New York Times, 8 July 2025
The committee shared a laugh at the congressman’s sheepish realization, and the vote continued.
—Meredith Kile, People.com, 15 May 2025
Someone who asks for something directly versus someone who opts for a more sheepish approach marks a good example of the outcomes of one's upbringing.
—David Oliver, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sheepish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sheepish
Adjective
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However, at the Budapest world championships in 2023, Alfred was just shy of a podium finish in both of her events.—
Katelyn Hutchison,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
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Instead, the president hasn’t been shy about wanting elite colleges to foot the bill.—
Liam Knox,
Fortune,
14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Set in Taiwan in 1988, Girl revolves around Hsiao-lee, a quiet and withdrawn girl, growing up in silent gloom.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
5 Aug. 2025
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Unfortunately, further discussions were heated, with no resolve, just more withdrawn behavior while the communications continued.—
Jeanne Phillips,
Mercury News,
30 July 2025
Adjective
-
The next morning, Onley was bashful at hearing that praise.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
22 July 2025
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Her brand of studied, bashful flightiness began to seem more passé than winkingly subversive.—
Mayukh Sen,
The Atlantic,
9 July 2025
Adjective
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And his lone Royals appearance was a spot start that lasted 2 ⅔ innings.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
10 Sep. 2025
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The City Council ultimately voted 5-1 to deny the appeal, with lone opposition from Council Member Doug Taylor.—
Rose Evans
September 10,
Idaho Statesman,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sheepish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sheepish. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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