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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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 Yukon Golds bring plenty of flavor on their own, while garlic and rosemary steeped in warm milk and cream make sure there’s nothing timid about them. — Andy Baraghani, Bon Appetit Magazine, 6 Oct. 2026 Nathan Starting as AFC Richmond’s timid and underappreciated kit man, Nate Shelley gradually reveals a tactical intellect that earns him a promotion to assistant coach. — Sarah Scott, Parents, 6 Oct. 2026 And despite the Mustang nameplate debate that has accompanied the Mach-E since its introduction, there is nothing timid about its acceleration. — Tim Jackson, Denver Post, 26 Sep. 2026 Moore is genuinely hilarious in the role, transforming under the tutelage of Paul Giamatti’s world-weary director character Jerry from a timid mouse into an indomitable and histrionic artist. — Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 19 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for timid

Recent Examples of Synonyms for timid

Adjective

Overall, Miami is averaging just shy of seven penalties per game.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 25 Oct. 2026
Phoebe Bridgers has never been shy about professing her love for mainstream country music.

— Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of shy

Adjective

They are fed up with the world's rebuke over the Gaza war, but also fearful of their growing global isolation.

— Daniel Estrin, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026
Mark Hackett, the chief market strategist for Nationwide’s Investment Management Group, told Fortune that younger investors aren’t necessarily more fearful than older generations.

— Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 24 Oct. 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

Bad dreams – like scary stories – work as fire drills for the developing brain.

— Liz Rosenberg, The Conversation, 23 Oct. 2026
There, shortly after fully participating in a practice as if nothing ever happened, the rookie linebacker recapped the scenes from perhaps the scariest moment of his football career three days prior.

— Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of scary

Adjective

The Democratic nominee against Knott hopes for an upset in a year when even Republican members in safe seats like the 13th District are running scared.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
Everyone is scared to testify against Szabo, so his legal case is dismissed.

— David Fear, Rolling Stone, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of scared

Adjective

Carrie in King’s novel and De Palma’s film is a flinching, socially inept, mousey misfit.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 21 Oct. 2026
Yesterday morning, at Milan’s Palazzo del Ghiaccio, Max Mara showed a collection of funnel-neck trench coats, unstructured blazers and linen safari jackets in mousy shades of grey and brown for spring 2027.

— Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of mousy

Adjective

For trick-or-treating, the department warned that small children may be afraid of dogs, while dogs themselves may be afraid of all the commotion with gaggles of kids coming to the door.

— Adam Harrington, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026
Students reported feeling threatened or afraid to be on campus.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of afraid

Adjective

Synagogues canceled Sabbath prayers, while terrified Jewish citizens were warned to conceal skullcaps and flee home.

— Staff, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Word spread across the city that the Taliban had kill lists of Afghan women activists, and hundreds of terrified women went into hiding.

— Azadeh Moaveni, Vanity Fair, 20 Oct. 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 31 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of timid

adjective

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