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 This is also why Nolan is so timid in addressing Odysseus’s unfaithfulness to Penelope during his seven years on Calypso’s (Charlize Theron) island. — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 27 July 2026 Suki, a vocal Black woman with an at times vulgar persona, whereas Althoff, a white woman, gained a reputation as an awkward, seemingly timid interviewer on her The Really Good Podcast. — Meagan Jordan, VIBE.com, 10 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for timid

Recent Examples of Synonyms for timid

Adjective

More to the point, another 7% gain would boost the league’s average delivery to a hair shy of 20 million viewers per game, which is a summit that even the mighty NFL would be hard pressed to reach.

— Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Incumbent District 6 Commissioner Mike Scott took about 49% of the vote Tuesday, falling just shy of enough votes to avoid a runoff.

— Stephen Hudak, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of shy

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

After the crew leaves the island with the sun god’s cattle, the seas are vicious, scary, and violent.

— Wisdom Iheanyichukwu, Vanity Fair, 17 Aug. 2026
The 13-year-old has his life back after a scary ordeal with epilepsy that seemed to come out of nowhere three years ago.

— Stephanie Stahl, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of scary

Adjective

Stokes was scared to be seen in public talking about the case, worried about poor treatment from law enforcement and the potential for retribution.

— CBS News, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
Hospitals and healthcare workers are already reporting growing staffing concerns, as many workers are scared to leave their homes for fear of being targeted by ICE.

— Nancy Hagans, New York Daily News, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of scared

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

During the attack, terrified students huddled together under their desks, sobbing as gunshots rang out nearby, video filmed inside a classroom and verified by CNN showed.

— Helen Regan, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
At a news conference, Twin Falls police released dramatic surveillance video that showed terrified employees diving for cover and shielding one another.

— Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 7 Aug. 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 22 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of timid

adjective

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