diffidently

Definition of diffidentlynext

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for diffidently
Adverb
  • Tristan, in the middle of putting down new wood shavings, looked at me shyly through the dust clouds.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2026
  • At one moment, the young prince glances down with his doe eyes before looking shyly off to the side at his mom and breaking out into a giggle.
    — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 5 Aug. 2026
Adverb
  • The famously-outgoing point guard ducked her head bashfully as Huskies stars Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong shook her shoulders in celebration while freshman Kelis Fisher tossed a handful of confetti into her face.
    — Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 10 Mar. 2026
  • So Rizo, a little bashfully but mostly just with determination, heads right on back.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • Around me, hands reach up timidly and then with more confidence, and then they are accompanied by applause that drifts from one side of the room to the other and back.
    — Sam Kestenbaum, Harpers Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026
  • After they were patted down, the women timidly entered the small space, sitting side-by-side in salon chairs to wait for Dastine and her two assistants to assess their hair.
    — Elizabeth Gulino, Allure, 8 Oct. 2026
Adverb
  • The child is fearfully looking behind him, as three Israeli soldiers approach.
    — Mirin Fader, New York Times, 16 July 2026
  • He’s flanked by his wife, Princess Deidamia, who looks fearfully up at her husband’s encroaching enemies.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 6 July 2026
Adverb
  • Passengers should politely ask their seatmate to move rather than attempting to climb over them, which can cause injuries.
    — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Their ensuing correspondence with the department began politely but devolved into threats and demands emphasized in italic type.
    — Barton Gellman, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2026
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Diffidently.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diffidently. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

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