timidness

noun

Definition of timidnessnext
as in hesitation
lack of willingness to assert oneself and take risks such timidness is surprising in a man as physically imposing as he is

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 timidness Never a forward accused of timidness, his offside restraint is not down to any reluctance to make surging runs in behind. — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 24 June 2026 The Denver Post editorial is a master class in timidness and in saying nothing of import. — Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 20 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for timidness
  1. hesitation
  2. timidity
  3. fear
  4. concern
  5. worry
  6. anxiety
Noun
  • If your hesitation is about fear, anxiety or burnout, spending time with someone whose perspective leans to the positive might help offset your worries.
    — Caroline Ceniza-Levine, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Still, some parents say the process remains unclear — and express hesitation on relying on shaky state funds.
    — Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of hesitation
Noun
  • But in a state like Connecticut, where Democrats flipped seats in the most recent local elections, this timidity makes no sense.
    — Matthew Blinstrubas, Hartford Courant, 21 June 2026
  • 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
Definition of timidity
Noun
  • The frenzy followed Beijing’s decision in the mid-1980s to ban imports of almost all blood products – except human albumin – amid growing fears over the global HIV/AIDS crisis.
    — CNN Staff, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Now, as my anxiety climbed, the smell was becoming inseparable from the fear.
    — Ledio Cakaj, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of fear
Noun
  • Other areas of concern are the library system's self-check-out kiosks, instances in which minor teenagers handle materials while working or volunteering at a branch, and platforms for loaning electronic materials, Adams said.
    — Joseph Flaherty, Arkansas Online, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Clever and snappy, fresh and silly, a winning combination of classic Looney Tunes gags and contemporary concerns (the press notes mention many influences including, no joke, The Insider).
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of concern
Noun
  • Solar attracted the most investment among renewable energy subsectors during the first six months of the year as countries rush to build capacity as worries grow that global wars will continue squeezing energy supplies.
    — Eugenia Perozo, semafor.com, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Research shows, however, that the public is always a little bit concerned about corruption, and that these worries often do not correspond with particular actions by politicians.
    — Robert Boatright, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of worry
Noun
  • Now, as my anxiety climbed, the smell was becoming inseparable from the fear.
    — Ledio Cakaj, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2026
  • After years of stomach-gurgling, nail-chewing anxiety, this was an entirely different Arsenal experience.
    — Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of anxiety

Browse Nearby Words

timidly
timidness
timorous
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Cite this Entry

“Timidness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/timidness. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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