as in mice
a shy or reserved person
a reality show that wants shameless exhibitionists, not shrinking violets
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Recent Examples of shrinking violets
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
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
Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
This spring there are no shrinking violets, only beguiling wallflowers.
—Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 3 Jan. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shrinking violets
Noun
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Particularly caring mice dads will groom their pups and even insulate them with their bellies against inclement weather.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
18 Feb. 2026
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Stained clothing, furniture, and rugs, anything that smells musty or mildewy, and items stored in spaces with termite, bedbug, or mice infestations should be thrown away rather than donated.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Leaders ‒ and particularly introverts ‒ who ignore those realities tend to burn out.—
Johnny C. Taylor Jr,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
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Quiet leadership isn’t reserved for introverts.—
Cheryl Robinson,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
This spring there are no shrinking violets, only beguiling wallflowers.—
Rosie Jarman,
Vogue,
3 Jan. 2026
-
The four fragrances will be available to purchase in a wide assortment, including three-wick candles, fine fragrance mists, body creams, body washes, foaming hand soaps, hand sanitizer sprays, laundry care, decor and wallflowers.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
14 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shrinking violets.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shrinking%20violets. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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