Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective bashful contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of bashful are coy, diffident, modest, and shy. While all these words mean "not inclined to be forward," bashful implies a frightened or hesitant shyness characteristic of childhood and adolescence.

a bashful boy out on his first date

In what contexts can coy take the place of bashful?

In some situations, the words coy and bashful are roughly equivalent. However, coy implies a pretended shyness.

put off by her coy manner

When might diffident be a better fit than bashful?

The words diffident and bashful can be used in similar contexts, but diffident stresses a distrust of one's own ability or opinion that causes hesitation in acting or speaking.

felt diffident about raising an objection

When would modest be a good substitute for bashful?

The meanings of modest and bashful largely overlap; however, modest suggests absence of undue confidence or conceit.

modest about her success

When could shy be used to replace bashful?

The words shy and bashful are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, shy implies a timid reserve and a shrinking from familiarity or contact with others.

shy with strangers

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 bashful But that hasn't stopped Chisholm, who is not bashful about adding chains and non-uniform colors to his look, from getting criticism. Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 26 Mar. 2025 Due to his crush on Snow White, bashful is a romantic at heart. Lisa Stardust, People.com, 21 Mar. 2025 Or maybe the movie’s stars are just feeling a bit bashful! Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 11 Mar. 2025 McNally is professionally bashful about such associations. Matthew Schneier, Vulture, 29 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bashful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bashful
Adjective
  • However, Wicked arrived on Peacock on March 21, just shy of four months after the film opened in theaters.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • Measuring over 4 feet tall and just shy of two feet wide, this charming furniture find offers loads of storage in both top and bottom compartments.
    Alexandra Kay, People.com, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Often, people that indulge in this type of culture are considered anti-social or withdrawn, a stereotype that has been passed around for years.
    Dominick Williams, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2025
  • People become irritable, withdrawn, or hyper-independent.
    Barnaby Lashbrooke, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bashful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bashful. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on bashful

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