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 Sumrall was no shrinking violet during his first appearance at the annual gathering of conference power brokers. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 May 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for shrinking violet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shrinking violet
  1. mouse
  2. introvert
Noun
  • Later, she’s entertained by a mouse running along the baseboard of one of London’s more elegant restaurants.
    — Sarah Crompton, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Mackie plays a disgraced FBI agent locked in a cat-and-mouse game across Europe with Jamie Dornan’s career criminal, in the eight-episode heist drama.
    — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of mouse
Noun
  • Johnson says Genres will be flexible enough to welcome introverts who want to dream away the day with a book, but can also be a home for a baby shower in addition to an author signing or a theatrical event.
    — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Some respondents saw less in-person interaction as a plus for women, minorities, and introverts.
    — Bilin Lin, Fortune, 5 Oct. 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 26 Oct. 2026.

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