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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
The documentary doesn’t shy away from discussing the anxiety and stress that impacted Candy’s life, and which stemmed from childhood experiences including losing his father at age 4 due to a heart attack. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2025 The custom homebuilder doesn’t shy away from challenges and has experience with building in coastal environments, including steep hillside sites. Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
After Pivetta’s exit, David Morgan allowed a run-scoring double in the seventh to Goodman, who finished a triple shy of the cycle. Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Sep. 2025 The Toronto Blue Jays were not shy about testing Aaron Judge's arm in right field on Friday night. Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shy
Adjective
  • The indie follows Christie, a timid 30-something who, after an unexpected positive pregnancy test, convinces her free-spirited best friend Ally (Ruffin) to help her track down her birth mother.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Sam, meanwhile, is a more timid RA with a longtime girlfriend (Maisy Stella).
    Esther Zuckerman, IndieWire, 7 Sep. 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
  • That is not to say that his coverage abilities are in any way lacking, but the Jaguars might see more value in Hunter catching passes to start.
    James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
  • It can be used to crudely express boredom, annoyance or to signal that something is self-indulgent or lacking purpose.
    Sofi Zeman August 8, Kansas City Star, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The most notorious of these events is the shooting of Trump during a Pennsylvania campaign rally last year.
    Jesse Bedayn, Fortune, 11 Sep. 2025
  • One of the most popular, and notorious, alprazolam—more commonly known as Xanax—has a half-life of only twelve hours.
    P.E. Moskowitz September 11, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The last time Congress faced a deadline to extend government funding, Senate Democrats flinched, giving Republicans the votes needed to avert a government shutdown without extracting any concessions.
    Nik Popli, Time, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Share relevant proof that mirrors their situation, name your price without flinching, and close with one clear question.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The next morning, Onley was bashful at hearing that praise.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 22 July 2025
  • Her brand of studied, bashful flightiness began to seem more passé than winkingly subversive.
    Mayukh Sen, The Atlantic, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • Steer clear of puddles - Driving into puddles or low areas of rainwater can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Rival organizations to the Missouri group include the infamous biker group Hell’s Angels, along with the Outlaws, El forastero, Galloping Goose, Sons of Silence and Bandidos biker groups.
    Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Rasheed was mostly raised by a single mother who struggled financially, in San Diego’s Skyline neighborhood, infamous for being a hotbed of gang activity.
    Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 9 Sep. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Shy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shy. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on shy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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