shrinking violet

noun

Definition of shrinking violetnext
as in mouse
a shy or reserved person a reality show that wants shameless exhibitionists, not shrinking violets

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 shrinking violet Why Winter Damage Can Be Problematic for Camellias Camellias are no shrinking violets. — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026 This spring there are no shrinking violets, only beguiling wallflowers. — Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 3 Jan. 2026 Emanuel, hardly a subtle shrinking violet throughout his career, nevertheless explained why things were different. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2025 Nobody would have called it that back in the 1960s, of course, but the man who shares a name with a Roman emperor (those guys weren't shrinking violets either) tends to be the biggest presence on any starship bridge. — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 14 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shrinking violet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shrinking violet
  1. mouse
  2. introvert
Noun
  • Federal officials have found that a person’s movements on a website with a computer mouse and items left in an online shopping cart can be tracked and used by retailers to personalize the cost of items.
    — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 11 July 2026
  • That’s when the true cat-and-mouse game between OEM security and the aftermarket began.
    — Peter Nelson, ArsTechnica, 10 July 2026
Definition of mouse
Noun
  • But some of the best public speakers are introverts.
    — William Arruda, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
  • Peterson is considered an exceptionally hard worker by all sources connected to him, but his leadership ability has been questioned, as he’s regarded as a quiet introvert.
    — Sam Vecenie, New York Times, 18 June 2026
Definition of introvert

Browse Nearby Words

shrinking
shrinking violet
shrinking violets
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Cite this Entry

“Shrinking violet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shrinking%20violet. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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