Synonyms of shyness

shyness

noun

1

as in bashfulness

Related Words

• bashfulness
• embarrassment
• timidity
• inhibition
• skittishness
• restraint
• timidness
• hesitation
• constraint
• indecision
• timorousness
• indecisiveness
• anxiety
• fear
• faintheartedness
• irresolution
• panic
• worry
• concern
• cowardice
• upset
• discomposure
• dismay
• irresoluteness
• apprehension
• alarm
• cowardliness
• cravenness
• spinelessness

Dissimilar Words

• boldness
• nerve
• confidence
• audacity
• self-confidence
• assurance
• guts
• coolness
• composure
• nonchalance
• insouciance
• unconcern
• determination
• resolution
• audaciousness
• fortitude
• courage
• self-assurance
• cojones
• firmness
• grit
• decisiveness
• fearlessness
• self-assertiveness
• fiber
• spunk
• resoluteness
• gumption
• bravery
• backbone
• mettle
• daring
• gameness
• valor
• intrepidity
• cheek
• temerity
• gall
• effrontery
• brazenness
• courageousness
• intrepidness
• dauntlessness
• gutsiness
• doughtiness

2

as in humility

Related Words

• humility
• meekness
• modesty
• sociability
• gracefulness
• geniality
• affability
• friendliness
• cordiality
• decorum
• respectability
• hospitality
• deference
• elegance
• decency
• felicitousness
• politesse
• seemliness
• manners
• propriety
• polish
• urbanity
• respect
• breeding
• decorousness
• gentilesse
• suaveness
• gallantry
• courtliness
• chivalry
• refinement
• gentlemanliness
• unctuousness
• knighthood
• chivalrousness
• knightliness

Dissimilar Words

• rudeness
• boldness
• surliness
• discourtesy
• brashness
• impudence
• disrespect
• impoliteness
• insolence
• shamelessness
• incivility
• audacity
• impertinence
• sauciness
• vulgarity
• boorishness
• informality
• churlishness
• casualness
• ungraciousness
• delinquency
• arrogance
• inappropriateness
• audaciousness
• presumption
• brassiness
• discourteousness
• impropriety
• indecency
• incorrectness
• loutishness
• thoughtlessness
• clownishness
• conceit
• pretentiousness
• inconsiderateness
• inconsideration
• improperness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of shyness

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

His quiet tone is not shyness or false modesty but circumspection and a sense of boundaries that imply respect and love for real communication. — Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026

Her name is Minnie, but her shyness leans toward the mousy, though no one would ever say that to her, least of all her beloved and extremely outgoing best friend, Callie (Chloe Coleman). — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 13 Feb. 2026