TIMIDITY Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

timidity

noun

Definition of timidity

as in hesitation

lack of willingness to assert oneself and take risks none of the scouts showed the least timidity about rappeling down the cliff

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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 timidity When the Timberwolves put the Nuggets over their knee and spanked them, there were so many to blame — Gordon’s aching body, Peyton Watson balking at playing, Murray’s shooting, Christian Braun’s timidity — that Jokic was almost spared. — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 3 Oct. 2026 Choices, of course, have to be made, and timidity won’t get the job done. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026 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, 26 Aug. 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 Their boldness reminds us of our timidity. — Joy Harden Bradford, AJC.com, 4 June 2026 But what is different about the downfall of Starmer, which is now under way, has been the timidity of his premiership, its chronic self-doubt, as if its voice were permanently stuck in its throat. — Sam Knight, New Yorker, 14 May 2026 But our delay and our timidity continue to cause unimaginable human suffering. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 13 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for timidity

Noun

At first, it’s seen in Soulan’s hesitation at accepting children from other villages to his class — then in his rage at his mother for feeding guests at the potential expense of the children’s meals.

— Kambole Campbell, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
The new work is a radical take on aging and femininity, an uncut hit of Cindy Sherman—despite, or maybe even because of, her initial hesitation.

— Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of hesitation

Noun

The White House decision has heightened fears that Ukraine could be left exposed to Moscow's escalating attacks as winter approaches.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
That a self-image forged in the crucible of the fear of being ugly makes women amputate their talents?

— Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of fear

Noun

Patients complete an online survey covering their skin concerns, history, current routine and goals, which is reviewed by a clinician licensed in their state.

— Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
YouTube Dividing Lines Drawn The inseparable relationship between YouTube and TV was clear for all to see at MIPCOM Cannes but serious concerns from the latter remain.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of concern

Noun

Plush carpeting, touches of turquoise in a largely eggshell-forward palette, tasteful landscape paintings that border on abstract, and spacious private balconies make up the subtle suite design, allaying any worries of dowdy beach resort decor.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026
Those moves have helped the stock market climb a wall of worry in the intervening years, including in 2026.

— Sarah Min, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of worry

Noun

When the line between general unease with not knowing crosses into anxiety that interferes with daily life, people should seek professional help, said Dugas.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
Given Abbey’s anxieties about spending money and fear of not having enough, Stacy plans to use very conservative assumptions for inflation, health costs and average returns when making her projections based on Abbey’s savings today.

— Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of anxiety

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timid

timidity

timidly

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

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Synonyms of timidity

noun

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