TIMIDITIES Synonyms: 159 Similar and Opposite Words

timid 1 of 2

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

timidity

2 of 2

noun

as in hesitation

lack of willingness to assert oneself and take risks none of the scouts showed the least timidity about rappeling down the cliff

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Adjective

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

Noun

There are those who would write her off, and perhaps her timidity before America’s facilitation of Gaza’s destruction has earned that dismissal. — Ta-Nehisi Coates, Vanity Fair, 15 June 2026 Their boldness reminds us of our timidity. — Joy Harden Bradford, AJC.com, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for timid

Recent Examples of Synonyms for timid

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

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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Style

“Timid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/timid. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of timid

adjective

noun

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