diffidently

adverb

Definition of diffidentlynext
as in shyly

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for diffidently
  1. shyly
  2. bashfully
  3. timidly
  4. fearfully
  5. politely
Adverb
  • Burke entered the packed courtroom with shackles around his waist and, for a brief moment, seemed to smile shyly at the room.
    — Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 22 July 2026
  • Some will crawl onto your lap or pause for a pet, while others shyly observe the park’s visitors from the tree branches overhead.
    — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 18 July 2026
Definition of shyly
Adverb
  • The famously-outgoing point guard ducked her head bashfully as Huskies stars Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong shook her shoulders in celebration while freshman Kelis Fisher tossed a handful of confetti into her face.
    — Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 10 Mar. 2026
  • So Rizo, a little bashfully but mostly just with determination, heads right on back.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025
Definition of bashfully
Adverb
  • By acting too timidly around its allies, Washington has missed opportunities.
    — Dafna H. Rand, Foreign Affairs, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The other photo shows two of the cubs huddled in a corner of a habitat, with one eyeing the camera timidly.
    — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 6 Apr. 2026
Definition of timidly
Adverb
  • The child is fearfully looking behind him, as three Israeli soldiers approach.
    — Mirin Fader, New York Times, 16 July 2026
  • He’s flanked by his wife, Princess Deidamia, who looks fearfully up at her husband’s encroaching enemies.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 6 July 2026
Definition of fearfully
Adverb
  • This could leave you feeling confused whether you’re being praised, tested or politely managed.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The woman usually introduces herself politely and grabs a seat to listen to the whistle of hot water pouring from a thermos.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026
Definition of politely
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.

Browse Nearby Words

diffident
diffidently
diffuse
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Cite this Entry

“Diffidently.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diffidently. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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