as in shy
not comfortable around people
a sheepish scholar who is most comfortable when surrounded by books
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Recent Examples of sheepish
Goldberg, in response, slowly turned back to face the camera with a sheepish look on her face.
—
Emlyn Travis Published, EW.com, 5 May 2025
When the scene cuts, Brando (Matt Dillon), who had previously been chummy with Maria, looks sheepish.
—Beatrice Loayza, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2025
The committee shared a laugh at the congressman’s sheepish realization, and the vote continued.
—Meredith Kile, People.com, 15 May 2025
Someone who asks for something directly versus someone who opts for a more sheepish approach marks a good example of the outcomes of one's upbringing.
—David Oliver, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sheepish
Emlyn Travis Published, EW.com, 5 May 2025
When the scene cuts, Brando (Matt Dillon), who had previously been chummy with Maria, looks sheepish.
—Beatrice Loayza, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2025
The committee shared a laugh at the congressman’s sheepish realization, and the vote continued.
—Meredith Kile, People.com, 15 May 2025
Someone who asks for something directly versus someone who opts for a more sheepish approach marks a good example of the outcomes of one's upbringing.
—David Oliver, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sheepish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sheepish
Adjective
-
Florida’s wildlife commissioners set aside pleas and arguments from black bear advocates today and approved a December hunt of the state’s shy but increasingly troublesome species.—
Stephen Hudak,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 Aug. 2025
-
And as the Phillies look for a solution, the manager won't be shy about his expectations for composure on the mound.—
Peter Chawaga,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Set in Taiwan in 1988, Girl revolves around Hsiao-lee, a quiet and withdrawn girl, growing up in silent gloom.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
5 Aug. 2025
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Unfortunately, further discussions were heated with no resolve, just more withdrawn behavior while the communications continued.—
Abigail Van Buren,
Boston Herald,
30 July 2025
Adjective
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Her brand of studied, bashful flightiness began to seem more passé than winkingly subversive.—
Mayukh Sen,
The Atlantic,
9 July 2025
-
The next morning, Onley was bashful at hearing that praise.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
22 July 2025
Adjective
-
The lone classroom representative was Bryan Henley.—
Steve Sadin,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Aug. 2025
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The lone original Rascal was the band’s principal singer and co-songwriter, keyboardist Felix Cavaliere.—
Rob Hubbard,
Twin Cities,
29 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sheepish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sheepish. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.
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