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 This is not a collection for the shrinking violets among us. — Joseph Erbentraut, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 May 2026 Encore Macau Like its sister property in Vegas, Encore Macau is no shrinking violet. — Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2026 Tress surely recognized himself in all these men, from the saddest shrinking violet to the happy flasher with nothing under his trenchcoat but pants cut off just above the knees. — Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026 Why Winter Damage Can Be Problematic for Camellias Camellias are no shrinking violets. — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shrinking violet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shrinking violet
  1. mouse
  2. introvert
Noun
  • Ciccarelli’s Crimson Moth series began with Heartless Hunter, a cat-and-mouse romance between a witch hiding in plain sight and the witch hunter determined to uncover her.
    — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2026
  • But as always, the tiny mouse has a few tricks up his sleeve for the comparatively sizable cat.
    — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of mouse
Noun
  • This is good for the introvert because the idea can be explored and externalized gradually in a relatively low pressure space.
    — Paul Jones, Scientific American, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Matty is an introvert who, despite his indecisive and hesitant nature, has managed to come out, surrounded by family and friends who support him.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 11 Aug. 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 14 Sep. 2026.

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