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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Recent Examples of timidness
The Denver Post editorial is a master class in timidness and in saying nothing of import.
—
Dp Opinion,
Denver Post,
20 May 2026
Wilder was not stuck in the state of inertia that plagued him against Parker or the timidness against Zhang.
—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
5 Apr. 2026
Dp Opinion,
Denver Post,
20 May 2026
Wilder was not stuck in the state of inertia that plagued him against Parker or the timidness against Zhang.
—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
5 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for timidness
Noun
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What drives the hesitation is rarely bad code.
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At the center of KeyBanc’s hesitation is Starship, the giant reusable rocket that Musk, the CEO, has described as critical to the future of satellite deployment, deep-space exploration and, eventually, colonization of Mars.
Noun
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But in a state like Connecticut, where Democrats flipped seats in the most recent local elections, this timidity makes no sense.
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There are those who would write her off, and perhaps her timidity before America’s facilitation of Gaza’s destruction has earned that dismissal.
Noun
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As Kennedy and Bessette spend more time together and grow closer, her intimidation of the spotlight and fear of invasive paparazzi often create tension in their relationship, despite his attempts to calm the situation.
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Throughout the whole battle, that’s when fear really sets in for Jace.
Noun
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Newsom has not said if the newer version of the bill quells this concern.
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Still, British politics could become a more pressing concern for the bond market with Burnham at the helm.
Noun
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Any worries about complacency were wiped away in the third minute when Auston Trusty fired home the opening goal and caused the stands at SoFi Stadium to shake (literally) with the noise and jumping fans.
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Reformation’s move toward the open market also signals that the time might be right — with Wall Street hitting all-time highs despite worries about inflation and AI — for fashion to jump in.
Noun
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As burnout, anxiety and digital overload continue to climb, many are discovering that recovery requires doing less—not more.
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In a neighborhood sometimes marked by gangs and violence, and in a time of heightened anxiety over immigration enforcement, the Fiesta Back of the Yards acts as a beacon of light, offering food, social services, music and fun in a safe environment.
Cite this Entry
“Timidness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/timidness. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
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