diffidence

noun

Definition of diffidencenext
as in timidity
the quality or state of lacking confidence or assertiveness He met the girl's gaze with awkward diffidence.

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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 diffidence In 1992, in his conversation with Hines, Cage spoke briefly about Sample before assuming his customary mask of benign diffidence. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 21 Dec. 2025 But Cropper’s diffidence about his abilities was the perfect mindset for a rhythm guitarist, whose job is to serve the song and the band rather than himself. — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 5 Dec. 2025 And has done so with the kind of diffidence that can only come from a lifetime in the sports backwaters. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2025 The concern now is not diffidence in New Delhi, but diffidence in Washington. — Nirupama Rao, Foreign Affairs, 30 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for diffidence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for diffidence
  1. timidity
  2. quietness
  3. submissiveness
  4. timidness
  5. reserve
  6. bashfulness
  7. submission
  8. shyness
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
  • These motors make a difference in efficiency and quietness levels.
    — Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 19 July 2026
  • To come up with its study, the company looked at different factors that equate to quietness, including monthly search volume, visitor ratings, average summer temperatures, access to nearby restaurants and bars, and availability of accommodations.
    — Kristine Hansen, Travel + Leisure, 9 June 2026
Definition of quietness
Noun
  • Attraction is a function of parentage and looks and submissiveness.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 May 2026
  • But for Coles, his indoctrination to law enforcement has been a different level of submissiveness.
    — Dan Pompei, New York Times, 2 Dec. 2025
Definition of submissiveness
Noun
  • Never a forward accused of timidness, his offside restraint is not down to any reluctance to make surging runs in behind.
    — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 24 June 2026
  • The Denver Post editorial is a master class in timidness and in saying nothing of import.
    — DP Opinion, Denver Post, 20 May 2026
Definition of timidness
Noun
  • Many higher-income countries, though challenged by the disruption, have cushioned the blow by tapping strategic reserves or using their financial and political clout to secure emergency supplies.
    — Nana Menya Ayensu, semafor.com, 7 Sep. 2026
  • At the same time, the country holds the world’s fourth-largest iron ore reserves.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of reserve
Noun
  • 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
Definition of bashfulness
Noun
  • The association initially denied their application and developed its own form for future submissions.
    — Nicole R. Kurtz, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2026
  • The awards, which have been running since 2022, received over 24,500 submissions from 40 different countries in 2026, 25 percent more than last year.
    — Will Richards, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of submission
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

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difficulty
diffidence
diffident
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Cite this Entry

“Diffidence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diffidence. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

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