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 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
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
-
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
-
In our marketing, the Get-Ready Yeti and the gifting mice Lenny, Berry, and Merry have become breakout stars.—
Cara Sylvester,
Fortune,
26 Nov. 2025
Noun
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People living alone, introverts, unemployed workers and those dealing with depression said the app offers peace of mind without requiring constant interaction.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
21 Jan. 2026
-
But Pliyt's prototype, revealed at CES just days ago, aims to differentiate itself by turning introverts' dreams into reality.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
14 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 29 Jan. 2026.
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