as in shy
easily frightened
a timid rabbit hopped cautiously out of the hedge
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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Recent Examples of timid
Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 30 Mar. 2026
Their smaller counterparts, alpacas, are more timid and shy, but the more independent ones that aren't afraid to be away from the herd do well as therapy animals.
—Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 22 Mar. 2026
Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
Enmired in the self-satisfactions and unnamed timidities of childhood, Galinda finds in herself neither canniness nor the need to cultivate it.
—Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 25 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for timid
Adjective
But even Patton’s weather prayer looks timid next to Hegseth’s impious rage.
—Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 30 Mar. 2026
Their smaller counterparts, alpacas, are more timid and shy, but the more independent ones that aren't afraid to be away from the herd do well as therapy animals.
—Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 22 Mar. 2026
Noun
The Bulls took 18 fewer shots than the Celtics as a direct result of their timidity on the glass, grabbing only six offensive rebounds to Boston’s 20.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
Enmired in the self-satisfactions and unnamed timidities of childhood, Galinda finds in herself neither canniness nor the need to cultivate it.
—Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 25 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for timid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for timid
Adjective
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In other words, the Chargers won’t be shy about using Mesidor equally in running or passing situations.—
Elliott Teaford,
Oc Register,
24 Apr. 2026
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Skeptics point out oral exams can be unsettling for students who are shy or have serious anxiety, but clarifying the format ahead of time and starting with softball questions can help, says Carolyn Aslan, who leads Cornell’s oral exam training.—
Jocelyn Gecker,
Fortune,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
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What made the league’s hesitation so baffling is that Clark’s rise lifts everyone around her.—
Bobby Burack OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
22 Apr. 2026
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But when Niesen presented the plans to the abbot of the monastery, he was met with hesitation.—
Jackie Hajdenberg,
Sun Sentinel,
21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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My agent, Marty Diamond, had to face down a steady stream of ‘no’s from fearful artist reps.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
27 Apr. 2026
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The question of whether Balzac’s fear was real is perhaps less interesting than the work the story does to position the fearful encounter as simply a symptom of innovation.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Future Hall of Fame QBs are built to block out fear and bury doubt.—
Zak Keefer,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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According to some experts, this paralyzing fear and desperation are factors that scammers exploit to put their criminal schemes into action.—
Albinson Linares,
NBC news,
26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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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
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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
Noun
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Those who have adopted its use for shopping are driven primarily by convenience and efficiency, but many are constrained by concerns around trust and authenticity.—
Amy O’Brien,
Vogue,
22 Apr. 2026
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Scott’s fellow Democrats ousted him from his post as ranking minority member on the Agriculture Committee in 2024 amid concerns about his age and health.—
Bill Barrow,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Yes, scarier than the strange dialogue in Reminders of Him.—
Alejandra Gularte,
Vulture,
27 Apr. 2026
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However, there was a really scary moment in a Game 4 thriller when one player took a skate blade straight to the face.—
Matt Reigle OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Kids today have the same worries about careers and friendships that his generation did.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
23 Apr. 2026
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The worry is that the government is throwing taxpayer money at a solution that will not save the airline long-term.—
Donald Judd,
CNN Money,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Timid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/timid. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.
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