TIMIDNESS Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

timidness

noun

Definition of timidness

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

Relevance

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

Noun

Ndoye didn't shoot on his first touch of the ball, though, and that slight hesitation to control the ball and gather for a shot left just enough time for Argentina to swoop in to block the shot.

— Andrew Greif, NBC news, 12 July 2026
Every moment of hesitation risks a delay in medical treatment or gives a suspect extra time to escape.

— N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 11 July 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

When a massive Sonoma Coast residential development pitch sparked fears that beach access would be lost.

— Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
While adults like Osul are looking for ways to rebuild their own lives, children are learning to live with fear, grief, uncertainty – and how to make sense of the tragedy.

— Osmary Hernández, CNN Money, 11 July 2026

Definition of fear

Noun

Western analysts have raised concerns that Beijing’s expanding role setting global norms around AI will enable it to export the norms of its own highly restrictive media and internet environment.

— Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
Alicia Guerra of the firm Buchalter spoke at the June 16 meeting to voice concerns on behalf of the city related to the project.

— Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of concern

Noun

It’s made from 100 percent cotton and fully lined for lightweight comfort and worry-free wear.

— Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026
His two biggest worries are that people will potentially lose their business and cities losing the permit income to conduct health inspections.

— Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026

Definition of worry

Noun

Broglio also hopes that athletes learn to look for symptoms such as anxiety, depression and cognitive issues, because many are very treatable.

— Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 12 July 2026
Researchers and psychologists agree that this feeling can fuel anxiety, dissatisfaction, and a constant need to stay connected, for fear of missing an opportunity, an event, or an experience.

— Ana Morales, Vogue, 11 July 2026

Definition of anxiety

Browse Nearby Words

timidly

timidness

timorous

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Timidness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/timidness. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of timidness

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

obdurate

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 17

Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Games & Quizzes