timid

adjective

ˈti-məd How to pronounce timid (audio)
Definition of timidnext
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 Defense can’t be too timid, but there needs to be rational response to an asymmetric downside. — Bob Ackerman, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for timid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for timid
  1. shy
  2. fearful
  3. timorous
  4. scary
  5. scared
  6. mousy
  7. afraid
  8. terrified
Adjective
  • When asked about other macroeconomic challenges, respondents weren’t shy in their response.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Lurie has never been shy to fire coaches, no matter how successful with the franchise, once the team hits the skids.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of shy
Adjective
  • The previous June, during a COVID wave in Moscow, his wife, Anna Matveeva, a photographer and a film editor, had caught the virus, and Zvyagintsev, who had a long-standing lung condition and was fearful of falling ill, went to stay in his office.
    — Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026
  • For that reason, Corron cast his ballot for Ciscomani, fearful of what might happen if Democrats take control of Congress.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 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
  • Detroit has a top-10 rushing defense, although that defense will be without middle linebacker Jack Campbell after a scary neck injury last week.
    — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Thursday’s stock sell-off looked scary — but some Wall Street analysts believe the dramatic decline might be just what the stock market needed after a monthslong run-up sent shares to dizzying heights.
    — Rob Wile, NBC news, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of scary
Adjective
  • Stiven said his wife feels scared and doesn't want to leave their home, but the couple wants to share what happened to her for one reason.
    — Dawn White, CBS News, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Otherwise the public realm will grow safer in exactly the wrong way — because people are too scared to use it.
    — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of scared
Adjective
  • Taylor Richardson, who plays a mousy maid with the hots for Clock Twink (get!
    — The Editors, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Carrie in King’s novel and De Palma’s film is a flinching, socially inept, mousey misfit.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of mousy
Adjective
  • Haitians in South Florida who lost Temporary Protected Status have lost their jobs and are afraid to step outside.
    — Isvett Verde, Time, 10 Nov. 2026
  • And the chain’s workers weren’t afraid to call her out on mistakes.
    — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of afraid
Adjective
  • Follicularly stuck in the 2000s, the vast majority of us are terrified short hair will age us.
    — Molly Mulshine, InStyle, 30 Oct. 2026
  • His novels are absolute master classes in how much to reveal, how much to leave to the reader’s terrified imagination.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of terrified

Browse Nearby Words

timeworn
timid
timidity
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Timid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/timid. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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