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 Topping Sumrall’s list is a pass defense that was too often left flat-footed, timid and struggling to communicate against the Owls’ up-tempo attack. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Sep. 2026 Unapologetically himself yet timid all at once, Ali vehemently opposed the Vietnam War and sought justice for all. — Ruby Grisin, Louisville Courier Journal, 5 Sep. 2026 Conversely, timid or softened feedback delivered to struggling employees creates a false sense of security, signaling that there is no urgency to adjust course. — Luciana Paulise, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 Knight was timid, and his interview was practiced, Becker said. — CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for timid

Recent Examples of Synonyms for timid

Adjective

More than 13,000 shoppers have given this pair a five-star rating, and reviewers haven’t been shy about singing its praises.

— Annie Blackman, InStyle, 29 Sep. 2026
Elon Musk’s firm hasn’t been shy about wanting to sunset the Falcon 9 rocket that launches Crew Dragon, as well as the capsule, in favor of developing its Starship megarockets.

— Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of shy

Adjective

And some musicians and songwriters are fearful of how these AI deals might affect livelihoods.

— Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026
The investigation into Toro follows a complaint from Bigelow that alleges the workplace culture under Toro’s leadership is characterized as oppressive, bullying and fearful, according to the complaint.

— Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 20 Sep. 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

One dog, Bruce, whose neck was slashed by his owner, spent seven months at the shelter as investigators sought charges, trembling in his kennel and looking scared, according to visitors.

— Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026
Was that an intentional move to make the Traitors scared to pick her?

— Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of scared

Adjective

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
After years without contact, Sandra mysteriously invites her outspoken, alcoholic mother, Diane (Dianne Weist), and her mousy sister, April (Naomi Watts), to the premiere of her upcoming Broadway show.

— Matthew Huff, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of mousy

Adjective

Despite not registering a goal or an assist in just over an hour on the pitch, the youngster was never afraid to receive the ball and try to make something happen.

— Ben Church, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2026
As in the past, the show’s creators are seemingly not afraid to bite the hand that feeds them.

— Tom Tapp, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of afraid

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 3 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of timid

adjective

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