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shy

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective shy contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of shy are bashful, coy, diffident, and modest. While all these words mean "not inclined to be forward," shy implies a timid reserve and a shrinking from familiarity or contact with others.

shy with strangers

When can bashful be used instead of shy?

The words bashful and shy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bashful implies a frightened or hesitant shyness characteristic of childhood and adolescence.

a bashful boy out on his first date

When might coy be a better fit than shy?

While the synonyms coy and shy are close in meaning, coy implies a pretended shyness.

put off by her coy manner

In what contexts can diffident take the place of shy?

In some situations, the words diffident and shy are roughly equivalent. However, diffident stresses a distrust of one's own ability or opinion that causes hesitation in acting or speaking.

felt diffident about raising an objection

When could modest be used to replace shy?

The meanings of modest and shy largely overlap; however, modest suggests absence of undue confidence or conceit.

modest about her success

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 shy
Adjective
Because of that, Levant fears that state legislatures will shy away from further regulation. Karen Brown, NPR, 30 Sep. 2025 Most fragrance brands shy away from collaborations, but Memo embraces them. Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
The Panthers now have 11 players — just shy of half of the maximum 23 allowed on an active roster — signed through at least the 2029-30 season. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2025 Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman hasn’t been shy about dishing out compliments to Boise State ahead of Saturday afternoon’s matchup between the two teams. Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shy
Adjective
  • Finally, the Gators’ timid portal strategy is deliberate, not an unwillingness to adapt.
    Matt Baker, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Imagine a commissioner being called out like that directly and that timid, tepid statement.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Set in Taiwan in 1988, Girl revolves around Hsiao-lee, a quiet and withdrawn girl, growing up in silent gloom.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Unfortunately, further discussions were heated, with no resolve, just more withdrawn behavior while the communications continued.
    Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 30 July 2025
Adjective
  • Art that truly centres girlhood, meanwhile, had too often been dismissed as sentimental or lacking intellectual rigor.
    Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2025
  • The film’s overall low-key tenor downplays both moral judgment and conspicuous style, though neither are entirely lacking.
    Dennis Harvey, Variety, 22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Specifically, in Nabers' case, that injury occurred on what has become a notorious turf surface at MetLife Stadium, which has also claimed other players' seasons to serious injuries, including multiple ACL and Achilles tears.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Peaky Blinders, which aired for six seasons on Netflix, followed a notorious gang in 1919 Birmingham, England, led by the fierce Tommy Shelby, a crime boss set on moving up in the world no matter the cost.
    Claire Franken, TVLine, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Ross passed the day's examination with flying colors, barely flinching at the rubber chicken.
    Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Oct. 2025
  • But none of the band members ever flinched over the divide that formed over their pre- and post-Vheissu sound.
    Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Livestreaming isn’t the same as actually being there and seeing the fabric flow, the textures, the audience reaction and the bashful designer with their head down, forced onto the runway at the end of each show.
    Nadja Sayej, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Conrad is gorgeous yet bashful.
    Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • For instance, if both people are eligible but one earned more, collect the lower amount first to have some cash.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Rosie O'Donnell has alleged that her iconic, show-stopping, infamous on-air fight with The View cohost Elisabeth Hasselbeck was an inside job.
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Quest for the Devil Fruit – Dodge infamous villains and escape the marines in a high-stakes race to reach a mysterious Devil Fruit ahead of the Straw Hats.
    Jennifer Maas, Variety, 7 Oct. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Shy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shy. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on shy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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