SHYNESS Synonyms: 146 Similar and Opposite Words

shyness

noun

Definition of shyness

as in bashfulness

Related Words

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Dissimilar Words

as in humility

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 shyness Instead of focusing on adventurous missions like PAW Patrol, Super Monsters emphasizes the more emotional aspects of childhood, like overcoming shyness, being a good friend, and learning from your mistakes. — Kara Nesvig, Parents, 30 Aug. 2026 Prince George seems to have inherited Princess Diana’s endearing shyness. — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 5 Aug. 2026 The smile didn’t come immediately, but suddenly the shyness gave way and her smile stretched from ear to ear. — Andy Clayton, New York Daily News, 26 June 2026 Then the release, the arrival, the return to self, and a lazy, funny sort of shyness. — Literary Hub, 17 June 2026 There was no awkwardness or shyness. — Andrew McGowan, Variety, 23 May 2026 Historically, in situations involving large numbers of dogs, rescue teams have reported the animals to be agitated, stressed and fearful of human interaction (resulting in shyness or aggression). — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 22 May 2026 In Atlanta, some people living with SAD, as well as social phobia or even simple shyness, are facing their fears in a novel way. — Hunter Boyce, AJC.com, 24 Mar. 2026 But shyness and cluelessness kept me from making my rendezvous with the guy that was to aid in that connection. — Jody Mamone, Hartford Courant, 16 Mar. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shyness

Noun

Her skin—something known as Frubber, a porous patented blend of fleshlike elastic polymers—stretched over a structure of plastic and titanium, and there was no flicker of bashfulness.

— Dan Turello, New Yorker, 10 Jan. 2026

Definition of bashfulness

Noun

To reach the quarterfinals in New York, Zheng had to accept her newfound station in tennis — not to abandon her confidence for the sake of humility, but to combine her natural self-belief with acceptance of her reality and a new perspective.

— Ava Wallace, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
While science is often perceived as cold and overly logical, for Schroeder its practice stirs a humility and appreciation for the vastness of nature and the depth of time.

— Brad Balukjian, Rolling Stone, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of humility

Noun

Just not being an embarrassment will go a long way for Giants fans.

— Adam Coleman, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Meanwhile, a major reboot out of Canton as Hall of Fame reduces its voting body from 50 to 25 in wake of last year’s embarrassment when all-time Super Bowl-winning coach Bill Belichick stunningly did not get in on first ballot.

— Greg Cote September 6, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of embarrassment

Noun

The complaint of timidity could be read as a criticism of 79-year-old Congressman Bobby Scott of Virginia, the ranking Democrat on the Education and Workforce Committee and panel’s chair when the party was in the majority.

— Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 6 Sep. 2026
My mother was never one for parting phrases, mainly because she was overwhelmed by a form of timidity that verged on self-erasure.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of timidity

Noun

Her interest in what happened to my body when she was born knows no modesty or fear.

— Miranda Rake, Parents, 25 Aug. 2026
The relentless state media campaign on the issue often cites prayer leaders who insist the hijab is part of Iranian cultural identity and that women should observe modesty.

— Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of modesty

Noun

As art and its creators have shed their inhibitions in this post-Sadean world, politicians and cultural commentators have reliably lined up to condemn this total freedom of expression as being dangerous to society.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2026
Put inhibitions aside to experience the latest episode of Doc Talk, hosted by John Ridley (12 Years a Slave, Shirley), and Matt Carey, Deadline’s senior documentary editor.

— Matthew Carey, Deadline, 30 June 2026

Definition of inhibition

Noun

For all the ways these drugs are associated with deprivation, many users describe a paradoxical new sociability.

— Elyse Moody, Architectural Digest, 27 July 2026
Her public image was capacious enough that Rollerena could carry not only camp and sociability, but profound grief as well.

— Emilie Hardman, JSTOR Daily, 24 June 2026

Definition of sociability

Browse Nearby Words

shyly

shyness

shyster

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“Shyness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shyness. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of shyness

noun

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