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

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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

As a kid, three chickens might be divided among the children; hesitation meant going hungry.

— Stephen Rodrick, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026
While Presley made appearances on The Milton Berle Show and The Steve Allen Show, among many others, Sullivan had hesitations about platforming the provocative singer, whose dance moves thrilled some audiences while offending others.

— Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of hesitation

Noun

The complaint of timidity could be read as a criticism of 79-year-old Congressman Bobby Scott of Virginia, the ranking Democrat on the Education and Workforce Committee and panel’s chair when the party was in the majority.

— Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 6 Sep. 2026
My mother was never one for parting phrases, mainly because she was overwhelmed by a form of timidity that verged on self-erasure.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of timidity

Noun

Experts say cartels use car bombs to intimidate rivals and authorities, pressure the government and spread fear among civilians.

— María Verza, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2026
At each turn, a heartbreaking picture comes into sharper focus, underscoring Ricki’s destructive appetite that exploits Rita’s deepest needs and fears under the guise of friendship and no-judgement sisterhood.

— Tomris Laffly, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of fear

Noun

For Villa, there were mitigating circumstances in this latest defeat by Glasner, yet the worry is they are still being caught with the same punches.

— Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Similar economic stressors like finding a new job if they get laid off, employer reductions of healthcare or retirement benefits, or simply not advancing in their career at pace significantly outrank worries about the impact of AI.

— Stacey Zolt Hara, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of worry

Browse Nearby Words

timidly

timidness

timorous

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“Timidness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/timidness. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of timidness

noun

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