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

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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 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 This spring there are no shrinking violets, only beguiling wallflowers. — Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 3 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shrinking violet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shrinking violet
  1. mouse
  2. introvert
Noun
  • Some of the recent uptick, too, might be the natural cat-and-mouse game between hitters and pitchers.
    — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 31 July 2026
  • Still, there are enough similarities between what a mouse and a human eat that the data collected by such studies can still apply.
    — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 31 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 3 Aug. 2026.

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