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 There are no speakers in the songs of MJ Lenderman other than MJ Lenderman, whose diffidence and exhaustion are in all-too-perfect lockstep with the psychic frustrations of his listeners. — Armin Rosen, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026 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 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. fearfulness
  3. quietness
  4. submissiveness
  5. timidness
  6. reserve
  7. bashfulness
  8. submission
Noun
  • The admiring portrait also examines Capra’s political timidity and broken collaborations, while showing how his films shaped Hollywood and Americans’ ideas about themselves.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Henderson attributed the silence of some of her peers to timidity.
    — Barton Gellman, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of timidity
Noun
  • There’s a delicacy to Sebastián, a hushed fearfulness, that sets him apart from his new comrades.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of fearfulness
Noun
  • Ultimately, Vervoordt’s intervention is an exercise in quietness and patience.
    — Michael James Gardner, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2026
  • These motors make a difference in efficiency and quietness levels.
    — Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 19 July 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
  • Ask whether the reserve steps down as your chargeback ratio improves as well.
    — Dimitri Akhrin, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Its timing on becoming a crypto treasury — or a company that holds crypto as a main reserve asset — was poor because its bitcoin purchase, announced by the company, came near its peak before a steep crash in price.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 6 Nov. 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 festival screened 71 films from 38 countries, selected from 1,802 submissions from 72 countries, with Italy serving as Country of Honor.
    — Essie Assibu, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Its inventory depends on what sellers send in—making the timing of those submissions particularly relevant ahead of the holidays.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of submission

Browse Nearby Words

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 14 Nov. 2026.

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