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
This is not a collection for the shrinking violets among us.
—
Joseph Erbentraut, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 May 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
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
Joseph Erbentraut, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 May 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
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
-
Kenyon told me that although the mice research is encouraging, a drug pathway that successfully extends a dog’s life will generate more enthusiasm among scientists who hope to try similar treatments on humans.—
Ross Andersen,
The Atlantic,
2 May 2026
-
Keep leaf litter and other debris away from the home, as these areas provide cover that gives mice places to hide.—
Michelle Mastro,
Martha Stewart,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Sloths primarily live in rainforests and are known as biological introverts for their highly specialized diets and survival mechanisms adapted over millions of years of evolution.—
Cristóbal Reyes,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 May 2026
-
However, in the wild, the algae are the ocean’s introverts, and only glow when they are bothered, like jolted by a crashing wave or the hull of a passing boat.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
Outside, on the patio, boxes of Jenga had been set out for the wallflowers.—
Anna Wiener,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
Packed with personality and bohemian flair, the designs are not for wallflowers.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shrinking violets.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shrinking%20violets. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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