TIMID Synonyms: 85 Similar and Opposite Words

timid

adjective

ˈti-məd

Definition of timid

as in shy

easily frightened a timid rabbit hopped cautiously out of the hedge

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 timid But looked at another way, Caine and other generals are being overly timid and deferential, in part because Pete Hegseth demands it. — Missy Ryan, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026 But where the Baron is timid and bumbling, Krasznahorkai is expansive, charming, and courtly. — Merve Emre, New Yorker, 28 June 2026 Playing Mary Bennet — Elizabeth’s younger and more timid sister — Bruccoleri set out to portray the coming of age story of a Regency woman. — Arushi Jacob, Variety, 25 June 2026 Don’t be timid; get the crust good and wet before proceeding. — Devra Ferst, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for timid

Recent Examples of Synonyms for timid

Adjective

Ford sold under just shy of 170,000 vehicles last month — 169,951.

— Breana Noble, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is never shy about influencing how Americans should vote.

— Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of shy

Adjective

Mukhopadhyay said the minister’s resignation has made people less fearful of protesting against a government that critics have long accused of suppressing dissent.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
In some families, that’s left them fearful to even go outside, and some are even considering leaving Gilroy or returning to Mexico.

— Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 31 July 2026

Definition of fearful

Adjective

The lesser among them, the timorous, the doubtful, and the wavering, stood back, watching, waiting for some greater sign, savoring their doubts.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2025
The great danger of that moment was that a political backlash — abetted by a furious media and timorous politicians — would lead to a restoration of the policy of Roe.

— The Editors, National Review, 24 June 2025

Definition of timorous

Adjective

The tragic story of a 17-year-old from Tangier is representative of the plight of many of the more than 800 minors who four days after the collective push by migrants into Ceuta face a scary present and an uncertain future.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
While drooling during sleep can conjure scary thoughts of a health problem, experts say the habit is nothing to worry about — though there are still certain signs to watch for.

— Gavin Escott, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of scary

Adjective

So that was the music playing in the brain of the mousy defendant.

— William Finnegan, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
They are joined by Milo (Yeukayi Ushe), whose slippery jelly Tama escapes his control; Ameline (Evanna Lynch), Ssyelle’s mousy, enigmatic roommate; and Milo’s too-cool brother Odward (Waylon Jacobs).

— Allison McClain Merrill, Parents, 8 June 2026

Definition of mousy

Adjective

And many of them weren’t afraid to make that known on social media.

— Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2026
The logic is that if colleges are afraid to sign a player out of fear of retaliation, the player won’t receive the benefits of Judge Sweeney’s order granting the injunction.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of afraid

Adjective

As their captors sought cover, the terrified children were ordered to stay and shoot down the jets over the capital, Khartoum.

— Sam Mednick, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026
Fuelled by unhinged online hate and anti-Israel extremism, total violent hate crimes skyrocketed by 97% since 2022, forcing terrified Jewish communities around the world into hiding.

— Staff, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026

Definition of terrified

Browse Nearby Words

timeworn

timid

timidity

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“Timid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/timid. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of timid

adjective

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