SHEEPISH Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

sheepish

adjective

ˈshē-pish

Definition of sheepish

as in shy

not comfortable around people a sheepish scholar who is most comfortable when surrounded by books

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 sheepish Sugano walked off the mound with a sheepish grin. — Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 5 Apr. 2026 The video feed suddenly cut out, replaced by a view inside the White Flight Control Room here at NASA's Johnson Space Center while flight controllers prepared a response that sounded a bit sheepish. — Tariq Malik, Space.com, 4 Apr. 2026 The Grammy winner made his sheepish confession during an appearance on Brittany Broski's Royal Court on Wednesday. — Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Feb. 2026 Carpenter gets several musical numbers, an obvious but entertaining love triangle with a sheepish Kermit and an incandescently jealous Miss Piggy, and plenty of opportunities for self-aware, PG-13 humor. — Judy Berman, Time, 3 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sheepish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sheepish

Adjective

McBride finished one point shy of her career high set in 2018.

— CBS News, CBS News, 14 July 2026
After the How to Make a Killing actress, 31, and the Bleachers frontman, 42, separated just shy of their third wedding anniversary, an insider says the pair simply had different outlooks on life.

— Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 14 July 2026

Definition of shy

Adjective

Over the course of a few days, this bashful teen, always armed with her camcorder and far less free-spirited than her cousins, will be beset by her father’s feuding family.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Overall and head-to-head goal differential are tiebreakers for group placement, and the Norwegians won’t be bashful about scoring as many times as possible.

— Julian Cardillo, Boston Herald, 15 June 2026

Definition of bashful

Adjective

That was the lone shot on target generated in the first half, with both teams limiting opportunities in the final third in a physical and chippy opening 45 minutes.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
Supervisor and board chair Rosario Rodriguez cast the lone dissenting vote, citing cuts to public safety funding, including the elimination of the POP team.

— Reeti Malhotra July 13, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026

Definition of lone

Browse Nearby Words

sheepherders

sheepish

sheepishly

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“Sheepish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sheepish. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of sheepish

adjective

Example Sentences

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