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

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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 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 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

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

Research by Harvard Business School found that advice seekers are often perceived as more competent because asking thoughtful questions signals humility, confidence, and a desire to improve.

— Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Now, after White delivers a prepared speech invoking hatred, fear mongering, divisiveness, love, grace, humility and Michelle Obama, the media reaction is that everyone really wishes outsiders would stop bringing non-basketball issues into the WNBA.

— Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of humility

Noun

For the Indian government, the scandal was seen by some a political embarrassment, triggering protests by the opposition.

— Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
Amy Edmondson’s work on psychological safety has helped leaders understand why employees need to be able to raise concerns, admit mistakes, and ask questions without fear of punishment or embarrassment.

— Brian Eason, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of embarrassment

Noun

But in a state like Connecticut, where Democrats flipped seats in the most recent local elections, this timidity makes no sense.

— Matthew Blinstrubas, Hartford Courant, 21 June 2026
There are those who would write her off, and perhaps her timidity before America’s facilitation of Gaza’s destruction has earned that dismissal.

— Ta-Nehisi Coates, Vanity Fair, 15 June 2026

Definition of timidity

Noun

Traditional Afghan attire always included the hijab, which Ayesha says helps to maintain modesty.

— Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 14 Aug. 2026
His modesty has not changed over the past eight months, despite signing for Barcelona, becoming the youngest player to represent Egypt at the World Cup and scoring a double for his new club’s first team.

— Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 2 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

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shyly

shyness

shyster

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“Shyness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shyness. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of shyness

noun

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