shyness

noun

Definition of shynessnext
1
as in bashfulness

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2
as in humility

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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 Those early steps shaped Guitarricadelafuente, a project that, according to the artist, was born as a way to protect himself from his own shyness. — Franchesca Guim, Billboard, 5 Nov. 2026 What is striking is that all these versions agree on her shyness, modesty, and propriety. — Eva Blanco Medina, Vogue, 10 Sep. 2026 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shyness
  1. bashfulness
  2. humility
  3. embarrassment
  4. meekness
  5. timidity
  6. modesty
  7. inhibition
  8. sociability
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
  • Close has the requisite humility and accountability to succeed.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2026
  • It’s all been replaced with a great sense of humility and introspection spread across little more than half an hour.
    — Jason Pettigrew, SPIN, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of humility
Noun
  • The latest embarrassment came Sunday, when Gang Green squandered a nine-point halftime lead in a 38-33 loss to the Raiders.
    — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • What readers are saying The comments reflect a general skepticism towards polling, particularly among Republicans, who are perceived as reluctant to participate due to distrust and embarrassment about their political choices.
    — Scott Clement, Washington Post, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of embarrassment
Noun
  • Strive for self-abnegation, justice, meekness, mercy, purity, love.
    — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 10 Sep. 2026
  • And Jesus' answer is one takes it through meekness, peacemaking, humility, love, etc.
    — Jason DeRose, NPR, 26 May 2026
Definition of meekness
Noun
  • The admiring portrait also examines Capra’s political timidity and broken collaborations, while showing how his films shaped Hollywood and Americans’ ideas about themselves.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Henderson attributed the silence of some of her peers to timidity.
    — Barton Gellman, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of timidity
Noun
  • New life for the Armstrong house Schreiber, who grew up in Dayton, about 60 miles south of Armstrong’s hometown, always admired him for his achievements, modesty and character.
    — John Seewer, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
  • The black mesh gown swept the floor and featured a plunging V-neck bodice and pink crystallized adornments throughout, offering the musician a modicum of modesty in specific areas.
    — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of modesty
Noun
  • In my experience, the involvement of ketamine or other drugs invariably makes a bad situation worse – complicating consent, impairing judgment and reducing inhibitions.
    — Christopher P. Holstege, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Many visual motifs emerge, most notably the men in the crowd who shed any inhibitions to cry, dance, and belt the songs at the top of their lungs.
    — Marshall Shaffer, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 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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Cite this Entry

“Shyness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shyness. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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