as in timid
easily frightened
sensational news stories that seem designed to needlessly alarm an already timorous public
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 timorous
At the time Russia revealed their new new weapon, U.S. national security thinkers did an obligatory round of timorous handwringing, but, other than that, the U.S. was largely—and strangely—silent.
—
Craig Hooper,
Forbes,
3 Aug. 2022
Democratic moderates are often portrayed by the left as timorous figures reluctant to take strong stands for fear of political retribution.
—
Walter Shapiro,
The New Republic,
3 Aug. 2022
Diaz is plucky and determined in ways that the more timorous guys can’t quite muster.
—
David Rooney,
The Hollywood Reporter,
3 Sep. 2019
For years now, U.S. policy toward Syria has been indecisive and timorous, allowing pro-Assad forces to gain ground.
—
Steven A. Cook,
Foreign Affairs,
17 Oct. 2016
See All Example Sentences for timorous
Craig Hooper,
Forbes,
3 Aug. 2022
Democratic moderates are often portrayed by the left as timorous figures reluctant to take strong stands for fear of political retribution.
—
Walter Shapiro,
The New Republic,
3 Aug. 2022
Diaz is plucky and determined in ways that the more timorous guys can’t quite muster.
—
David Rooney,
The Hollywood Reporter,
3 Sep. 2019
For years now, U.S. policy toward Syria has been indecisive and timorous, allowing pro-Assad forces to gain ground.
—
Steven A. Cook,
Foreign Affairs,
17 Oct. 2016
See All Example Sentences for timorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for timorous
timid
Adjective
-
Playing Mary Bennet — Elizabeth’s younger and more timid sister — Bruccoleri set out to portray the coming of age story of a Regency woman.
-
Don’t be timid; get the crust good and wet before proceeding.
Cite this Entry
“Timorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/timorous. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
