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
  • Instead of focusing on adventurous missions like PAW Patrol, Super Monsters emphasizes the more emotional aspects of childhood, like overcoming shyness, being a good friend, and learning from your mistakes.
    — Kara Nesvig, Parents, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Prince George seems to have inherited Princess Diana’s endearing shyness.
    — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of shyness
Noun
  • Just not being an embarrassment will go a long way for Giants fans.
    — Adam Coleman, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Meanwhile, a major reboot out of Canton as Hall of Fame reduces its voting body from 50 to 25 in wake of last year’s embarrassment when all-time Super Bowl-winning coach Bill Belichick stunningly did not get in on first ballot.
    — Greg Cote September 6, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of embarrassment
Noun
  • The complaint of timidity could be read as a criticism of 79-year-old Congressman Bobby Scott of Virginia, the ranking Democrat on the Education and Workforce Committee and panel’s chair when the party was in the majority.
    — Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 6 Sep. 2026
  • My mother was never one for parting phrases, mainly because she was overwhelmed by a form of timidity that verged on self-erasure.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of timidity
Noun
  • As art and its creators have shed their inhibitions in this post-Sadean world, politicians and cultural commentators have reliably lined up to condemn this total freedom of expression as being dangerous to society.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Definition of inhibition
Noun
  • Andrew Haigh is a master of restraint, a talent that he’s often weaponized against his own creations to beautiful and shattering effect.
    — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2026
  • These two are on the bleeding edge, yet exhibiting more restraint than some others.
    — Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of restraint
Noun
  • Gorky was using European traditions—Roberto Matta’s Surrealism, Picasso’s neoclassicism, Cézanne’s explorations—to make work that captured New York’s sexiness, skittishness, and force.
    — Hilton Als, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026
  • This summer, major shoe brands from Nike to Adidas to Under Armour to On have each expressed skittishness about the retail environment for sneaker sales.
    — Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of skittishness

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bashfully
bashfulness
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Cite this Entry

“Bashfulness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bashfulness. Accessed 9 Sep. 2026.

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