shyness

noun

Definition of shynessnext
1
as in bashfulness

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2
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
  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
  • We were inculcated with the importance of charity, love toward all, good works and humility, and urged to carry those virtues into adulthood.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • They also were reared in the disparate and yet beneficial worlds of humility and attention.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of humility
Noun
  • When service is done and cleaned up, both Joy and Kayley cry tears of embarrassment and frustration.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Their love is expressed through proximity, embarrassment, loyalty, silence, and simply remaining present.
    — Dana Feldman, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of embarrassment
Noun
  • The third revealed meekness as spiritual strength – the willingness to let God lead thought and action.
    — Liesl Ehmke, Christian Science Monitor, 7 Aug. 2026
  • And Jesus' answer is one takes it through meekness, peacemaking, humility, love, etc.
    — Jason DeRose, NPR, 26 May 2026
Definition of meekness
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
  • 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
  • With quick feet, high IQ, and patience, Burkin carries a modesty that endears him to his teammates and coaches.
    — Ethan Hanson, Daily News, 19 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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Cite this Entry

“Shyness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shyness. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of shyness for Spanish Speakers

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