sheepishness

noun

as in bashfulness

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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 sheepishness Still, his courtiers seemed to be encouraging him to lean into sheepishness. — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 20 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sheepishness
  1. bashfulness
  2. diffidence
  3. timidity
  4. timidness
  5. shyness
  6. acquiescence
  7. deference
  8. submissiveness
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
  • Playing Edward as the courtly and compassionate polar-opposite of his awful sister Fanny, MacKay brings a gentle diffidence that syncs beautifully with Edgar-Jones’ delicate reserve.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Our pro bono military operations have been conducted with noticeable diffidence.
    — Robert Stone, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of diffidence
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
  • 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
  • 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
Noun
  • There are similar issues in competitive races in Kansas, Iowa and Ohio, where Republican acquiescence could hurt the party on Election Day as their constituents face factory layoffs, farm foreclosures and higher prices.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Their acquiescence to this encroachment on their powers has made these politicians increasingly dependent on a dysfunctional national government.
    — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of acquiescence
Noun
  • Jeff Bezos is one of the richest men in the world, so he’s used to being treated with certain deference and most doors being open to him.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 6 Oct. 2026
  • And the most important one in this context is Chevron deference.
    — Nilay Patel, The Verge, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of deference
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

Browse Nearby Words

sheepishly
sheepishness
sheepskin
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Cite this Entry

“Sheepishness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sheepishness. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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