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. quietness
  3. submissiveness
  4. timidness
  5. reserve
  6. bashfulness
  7. submission
  8. shyness
Noun
  • When the Timberwolves put the Nuggets over their knee and spanked them, there were so many to blame — Gordon’s aching body, Peyton Watson balking at playing, Murray’s shooting, Christian Braun’s timidity — that Jokic was almost spared.
    — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Choices, of course, have to be made, and timidity won’t get the job done.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of timidity
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
  • There are large helium reserves in Wyoming, Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado and Utah.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
  • With debt levels now at more than 150% of GDP and foreign reserves down 50% since March, the kingdom is reportedly in talks for a cash infusion led by the UAE, according to Asharq Bloomberg.
    — Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 23 Oct. 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
  • According to the Philadelphia Police Department's October 9 statement, the submission was flagged as spam and never forwarded to its Real-Time Crime Center for investigative review or distribution.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Martinez-Olguin took the matter under submission after the hearing and is expected to make a decision in the coming days.
    — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of submission
Noun
  • What is striking is that all these versions agree on her shyness, modesty, and propriety.
    — Eva Blanco Medina, Vogue, 10 Sep. 2026
  • 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
Definition of shyness

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 25 Oct. 2026.

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