shrinking violet

noun

Definition of shrinking violetnext
as in mouse
a shy or reserved person a reality show that wants shameless exhibitionists, not shrinking violets

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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 shrinking violet Encore Macau Like its sister property in Vegas, Encore Macau is no shrinking violet. — Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2026 Tress surely recognized himself in all these men, from the saddest shrinking violet to the happy flasher with nothing under his trenchcoat but pants cut off just above the knees. — Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026 Why Winter Damage Can Be Problematic for Camellias Camellias are no shrinking violets. — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026 This spring there are no shrinking violets, only beguiling wallflowers. — Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 3 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shrinking violet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shrinking violet
  1. mouse
  2. introvert
Noun
  • Years earlier at her former lab in Ohio, chromosomes in mouse eggs and embryos began dividing in bizarre ways, creating the kinds of genetic errors that can lead to Down syndrome and other chromosomal disorders.
    — Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
  • While the peptide’s risks and side effects are few, and its effects on mouse metabolism compelling, no one knows how long-term use affects humans yet, or what formula or dosage would be most effective.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of mouse
Noun
  • Matty is an introvert who, despite his indecisive and hesitant nature, has managed to come out, surrounded by family and friends who support him.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026
  • How tough is that sometimes as a player who’s maybe a little bit more reserved, a little bit more of an introvert?
    — Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of introvert

Browse Nearby Words

shrinking
shrinking violet
shrinking violets
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Cite this Entry

“Shrinking violet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shrinking%20violet. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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