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 This is also why Nolan is so timid in addressing Odysseus’s unfaithfulness to Penelope during his seven years on Calypso’s (Charlize Theron) island. — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 27 July 2026 Suki, a vocal Black woman with an at times vulgar persona, whereas Althoff, a white woman, gained a reputation as an awkward, seemingly timid interviewer on her The Really Good Podcast. — Meagan Jordan, VIBE.com, 10 July 2026 But looked at another way, Caine and other generals are being overly timid and deferential, in part because Pete Hegseth demands it. — Missy Ryan, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026 But where the Baron is timid and bumbling, Krasznahorkai is expansive, charming, and courtly. — Merve Emre, New Yorker, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for timid

Recent Examples of Synonyms for timid

Adjective

At 51, Rabatin was a few years shy of the average age of onset, which is 55.

— Beth Sobol, Flow Space, 12 Aug. 2026
Reacher is weirdly shy about telling Elspeth Sampson her husband might have an Indonesian love child, but Elspeth insists the Sampsons have no secrets.

— Chris Klimek, Vulture, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of shy

Adjective

People leaders are increasingly fearful that AI is putting them out of a job, as the number of people working in employment services is down.

— Kristin Stoller, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026
Even Haitians who have been naturalized or hold green cards are keeping a low profile, fearful of being caught in an immigration raid.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 8 Aug. 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

No prominent leader has explained what governments will do when the scariest AI capabilities are diffused around the world and become accessible to criminals and terrorists.

— Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 10 Aug. 2026
Universal’s annual Halloween Horror Nights is looking like an even scarier place to have a nice daaaate.

— James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of scary

Adjective

Lastly, to dull the war-mongering vigor of the Rivermen, Ormund installs small, scared little boys, ripped from their homes, all along the chemin de ronde — a baby human shield for Ser Daeron the Daring’s great army.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
And feeling so scared and so overwound by the idea that this was going to make or break our career.

— Jim Ryan, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of scared

Adjective

So that was the music playing in the brain of the mousy defendant.

— William Finnegan, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
They are joined by Milo (Yeukayi Ushe), whose slippery jelly Tama escapes his control; Ameline (Evanna Lynch), Ssyelle’s mousy, enigmatic roommate; and Milo’s too-cool brother Odward (Waylon Jacobs).

— Allison McClain Merrill, Parents, 8 June 2026

Definition of mousy

Adjective

So my encouragement to young Latino artists out there is to keep creating and don’t be afraid of creating.

— Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 12 Aug. 2026
Not afraid of breaking tradition, Morgan and Jezzel decided to find their wedding gowns together and made eight salon visits in two weeks.

— Shelby Wax, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of afraid

Adjective

During the attack, terrified students huddled together under their desks, sobbing as gunshots rang out nearby, video filmed inside a classroom and verified by CNN showed.

— Helen Regan, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
At a news conference, Twin Falls police released dramatic surveillance video that showed terrified employees diving for cover and shielding one another.

— Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of terrified

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 14 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of timid

adjective

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