bashfulness

noun

Definition of bashfulnessnext
as in shyness

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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 bashfulness Her skin—something known as Frubber, a porous patented blend of fleshlike elastic polymers—stretched over a structure of plastic and titanium, and there was no flicker of bashfulness. — Dan Turello, New Yorker, 10 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bashfulness
  1. shyness
  2. embarrassment
  3. timidity
  4. inhibition
  5. restraint
  6. skittishness
Noun
  • The smile didn’t come immediately, but suddenly the shyness gave way and her smile stretched from ear to ear.
    — Andy Clayton, New York Daily News, 26 June 2026
  • Then the release, the arrival, the return to self, and a lazy, funny sort of shyness.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 June 2026
Definition of shyness
Noun
  • By coach Cheryl Reeve’s standard, Saturday night’s match against the Portland Fire was a defensive embarrassment.
    — Anya Armentrout, Twin Cities, 19 July 2026
  • Was Trump, reportedly livid over the Air Force One leak, concerned about the risk to security—or about the prospect of personal embarrassment due to the failings of a questionable gift that had cost taxpayers tens of millions of dollars to upgrade?
    — Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 18 July 2026
Definition of embarrassment
Noun
  • But in a state like Connecticut, where Democrats flipped seats in the most recent local elections, this timidity makes no sense.
    — Matthew Blinstrubas, Hartford Courant, 21 June 2026
  • There are those who would write her off, and perhaps her timidity before America’s facilitation of Gaza’s destruction has earned that dismissal.
    — Ta-Nehisi Coates, Vanity Fair, 15 June 2026
Definition of timidity
Noun
  • Put inhibitions aside to experience the latest episode of Doc Talk, hosted by John Ridley (12 Years a Slave, Shirley), and Matt Carey, Deadline’s senior documentary editor.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 30 June 2026
  • Darkness removes that inhibition and allows the pineal gland to release melatonin.
    — Sally Ibrahim, The Conversation, 23 June 2026
Definition of inhibition
Noun
  • Because when everyone can generate content instantly, the real scarcity becomes originality, along with perspective, taste, restraint and conviction.
    — Adam Taylor, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • Indiana continues to emphasize fiscal restraint and has approved further tax reductions.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026
Definition of restraint
Noun
  • Was that skittishness behind Hollywood’s absence from Cannes this year?
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 26 May 2026
  • Now, with early voting for the March 3 primary set to start next week, the mudslinging in both races is expected to soar, according to insiders with both parties watching with skittishness from Texas and Washington.
    — Philip Elliott, Time, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of skittishness

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Cite this Entry

“Bashfulness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bashfulness. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on bashfulness

Nglish: Translation of bashfulness for Spanish Speakers

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