TIMID Synonyms: 85 Similar and Opposite Words

timid

adjective

ˈti-məd

Definition of timid

as in shy

easily frightened a timid rabbit hopped cautiously out of the hedge

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 timid Meanwhile, Carla receives a voice recording that proves that one of the company’s most efficient team leaders, Madame Lalouette (Carine Rouvier), has been verbally abusing the timid Madame Morel (Sandra Le Gall). — Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 9 Sep. 2026 Known for his gruff vocals, LaMontagne first came to the scene in the early aughts as a timid troubadour. — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026 After all, oodles of fans still worship at the altar of Jim and Pam, the shaggy-haired salesman and timid receptionist who became a generation of besotted worker bees’ Ross and Rachel — the couple to root for who became the couple to emulate. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 9 Sep. 2026 Topping Sumrall’s list is a pass defense that was too often left flat-footed, timid and struggling to communicate against the Owls’ up-tempo attack. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for timid

Recent Examples of Synonyms for timid

Adjective

Murders were ‘ice cold’ On the day of the murders, Sierra had joined the family on a shopping outing to Mall of the Americas to purchase a birthday gift for Daniela, who was days shy of turning 4.

— Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026
The French 10-year bond yield jumped more than 10 basis points, taking it just shy of its highest level in decades.

— Jenni Reid, CNBC, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of shy

Adjective

But in an edited video put out by the White House that showed her march to the podium, set to pickup-truck-commercial music, Zacharia appeared visibly fearful.

— Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 16 Oct. 2026
Some online have pledged to never ride a roller coaster again, too fearful of the unimaginable horror of falling out.

— Taylor Croft, AJC.com, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of fearful

Adjective

The lesser among them, the timorous, the doubtful, and the wavering, stood back, watching, waiting for some greater sign, savoring their doubts.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2025
The great danger of that moment was that a political backlash — abetted by a furious media and timorous politicians — would lead to a restoration of the policy of Roe.

— The Editors, National Review, 24 June 2025

Definition of timorous

Adjective

Desperate to get that handsome life back, Hagen undergoes an experimental procedure that initially works only to give way to a scary new reality with shape-shifting skin.

— Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026
When the company selling you the scary future publishes internal research saying the scary future has not shown up, that is a signal worth reading.

— Stephen Messer, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of scary

Adjective

The move comes after years of criticism from animal rights advocates who charge that the horses are overworked, get easily scared and live in inadequate stables with drivers flouting city regulations.

— Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026
Older riders, who once sold important organs to buy in-line fours, are now too old and too scared to even care what 14,000rpm in top means on an in-line four.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of scared

Adjective

Yesterday morning, at Milan’s Palazzo del Ghiaccio, Max Mara showed a collection of funnel-neck trench coats, unstructured blazers and linen safari jackets in mousy shades of grey and brown for spring 2027.

— Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2026
After years without contact, Sandra mysteriously invites her outspoken, alcoholic mother, Diane (Dianne Weist), and her mousy sister, April (Naomi Watts), to the premiere of her upcoming Broadway show.

— Matthew Huff, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of mousy

Adjective

Opt for a dark wash without rips and frays to keep the look streamlined, but don't be afraid to play with proportions and have fun with patterns and texture.

— Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 13 Oct. 2026
Measure What Customers Do After The Test Pick five to eight people who already trust you and aren’t afraid to tell you the truth.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of afraid

Browse Nearby Words

timeworn

timid

timidity

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“Timid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/timid. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of timid

adjective

Example Sentences

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