as in fearful
easily frightened
a timid rabbit hopped cautiously out of the hedge
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 timid
Arab governments that for decades have been fierce advocates for the Palestinian cause are now facing criticism for their timid response to the extreme suffering in Gaza caused by Israel's war, risking a dangerous rift with their increasingly restive citizens.
—
Mo Abbas, NBC news, 13 Aug. 2025
Known for its timid and gentle nature, the snake is semiaquatic and nocturnal, feeding on earthworms in captivity.
—Real-Time News Team, Miami Herald, 8 Aug. 2025
Mueller, 23, spoke to Newsweek about how she was drawn to the timid dog, named Ruthie, who faced a grim prognosis.
—Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Aug. 2025
McCamish also shared some advice with USA Today, saying that people who come across a tarantula in the wilderness during the fall should leave it alone, as the spiders are timid creatures and won't attack unless confronted.
—Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for timid
Mo Abbas, NBC news, 13 Aug. 2025
Known for its timid and gentle nature, the snake is semiaquatic and nocturnal, feeding on earthworms in captivity.
—Real-Time News Team, Miami Herald, 8 Aug. 2025
Mueller, 23, spoke to Newsweek about how she was drawn to the timid dog, named Ruthie, who faced a grim prognosis.
—Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Aug. 2025
McCamish also shared some advice with USA Today, saying that people who come across a tarantula in the wilderness during the fall should leave it alone, as the spiders are timid creatures and won't attack unless confronted.
—Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for timid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for timid
Adjective
-
When employees are fearful of their leaders, progress is delayed or halted altogether.—
Dr. Cynthia J. Young,
Forbes.com,
29 Aug. 2025
-
Even if kids are anxious or fearful, there's a benefit to going to school and maintaining daily activities.—
Allison Aubrey,
NPR,
29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
And as the Phillies look for a solution, the manager won't be shy about his expectations for composure on the mound.—
Peter Chawaga,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Aug. 2025
-
Florida’s wildlife commissioners set aside pleas and arguments from black bear advocates today and approved a December hunt of the state’s shy but increasingly troublesome species.—
Stephen Hudak,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Residents recount a scary night and a quiet Chapman.—
Gillian Stawiszynski,
The Enquirer,
31 Aug. 2025
-
Cooper Hoffman stars in one of the year’s best and scariest horror films as the determined Raymond Garraty, a spirited competitor and the son of Mrs. Garraty (Greer).—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The great danger of that moment was that a political backlash — abetted by a furious media and timorous politicians — would lead to a restoration of the policy of Roe.—
The Editors,
National Review,
24 June 2025
-
Hundreds of timorous Timothée Chalamet lookalikes congregated in Washington Square Park.—
Raven Smith,
Vogue,
18 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Lastly, if the campaign performance isn’t meeting expectations, don’t be afraid to ask for a brainstorming session in person or on video if email communication just isn’t cutting it.—
Nandini Sankara,
Forbes.com,
28 Aug. 2025
-
Those were people who grew up afraid of anything or anyone different from them.—
Pat Blashill,
Rolling Stone,
28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
When scared, dogs will likely make their body smaller, hunch over and try to move away.—
Dawn Kovell,
Mercury News,
19 Aug. 2025
-
Things were changing, and people—some people at least—were scared.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
This is why babies and toddlers with a shock of blond hair can end up a mousy brown color in adulthood.—
RJ Mackenzie,
Popular Science,
20 Mar. 2025
-
For evidence, just look at her recent transformation from mousy brunette to bombshell blonde.—
Sam Reed,
Glamour,
13 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Timid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/timid. Accessed 2 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share