shrinking violet

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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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 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 Emanuel, hardly a subtle shrinking violet throughout his career, nevertheless explained why things were different. Ted Johnson, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for shrinking violet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shrinking violet
Noun
  • There are also quiet-click primary buttons and the mouse is powered by a rechargeable 500mAh battery capable of delivering up to 200 days of use on a single charge, depending on usage patterns.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
  • Elephants get two hours per day, while mouse lemurs spend more than 15 hours in shut-eye.
    Carolyn Y. Johnson, Washington Post, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • The introvert who generates extraordinary individual insight but struggles to inspire large groups gets an extroverted deputy to do the rallying.
    Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
  • The real cherry on the proverbial cake, however, is the private in-villa dining experience that’s offered for an extra charge, and appears designed for honeymooners, parents who need to keep an eye on their kids, and introverts alike.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Shrinking violet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shrinking%20violet. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.

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