1
as in timid
easily frightened
a shy cat who hid under the bed every time she heard any loud noise
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in withdrawn
not comfortable around people
a shy person who finds talking to anyone but a close friend to be an awkward and unpleasant experience
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in lacking
not coming up to an expected measure or meeting a particular need
the team is shy a couple of players because of illness
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in notorious
not respectable
she was nervous about being left alone in a shy bar in a bad section of town
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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a shy person
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shy
Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 6 Mar. 2025
More recently, the horror thriller Companion — which was released by Warner Bros. subsidiary New Line Cinema — debuted on PVOD on Feb. 18, just three weeks shy of the film’s Jan. 31 theatrical release.
—Tim Lammers, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
Eric Zeman, PCMAG, 7 Mar. 2025
In the 1980s, the Reagan administration did not shy away from using the threat of commercial penalties and trade sanctions against Japan, another ally, to prevent the country from flooding the U.S. market with its goods.
—Nicholas Mulder, Foreign Affairs, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shy
Adjective
Thus enters the seemingly shy and considerate Hedra (Jennifer Jason Leigh) – an initially ideal fit who provides a balm for Allie’s heartbreak and loneliness.
—Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 6 Mar. 2025
More recently, the horror thriller Companion — which was released by Warner Bros. subsidiary New Line Cinema — debuted on PVOD on Feb. 18, just three weeks shy of the film’s Jan. 31 theatrical release.
—Tim Lammers, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
Verb
This year, the industry's biggest players shied away from MWC.
—Eric Zeman, PCMAG, 7 Mar. 2025
In the 1980s, the Reagan administration did not shy away from using the threat of commercial penalties and trade sanctions against Japan, another ally, to prevent the country from flooding the U.S. market with its goods.
—Nicholas Mulder, Foreign Affairs, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shy
Adjective
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Cheered on by timid bankers who wouldn't risk a lemon in their sparse baskets.—
Dan Primack,
Axios,
11 Mar. 2025
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To say that does not trivialize the Holocaust, as some timid folk insist.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Nicky Jam has released his first project since facing stark backlash for his (withdrawn) endorsement of Donald Trump.—
Tomás Mier,
Rolling Stone,
28 Feb. 2025
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Children may express anxiety by becoming distant, withdrawn, agitated, upset, or avoiding social contact.8 4.—
Mark Gurarie,
Verywell Health,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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After analyzing unsolved true crimes leads to massive popularity followed by a controversial downfall, Woo Sang attempts to reclaim his crown by tracking the notorious Hemline Serial Killer in real time — only to discover the killer has been watching his broadcast.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
17 Mar. 2025
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The fair was overseen by Robert Moses, the influential and notorious urban planner whose highway projects displaced hundreds of thousands New Yorkers.—
Taylor Nicioli,
CNN,
17 Mar. 2025
Verb
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But at that moment, looking up from the examination table at Tina, her dark hair framing her unsmiling face, Lilian neither hesitated nor flinched.—
Yiyun Li,
The New Yorker,
9 Mar. 2025
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And the white target with the red bullseye that had been on his chest, standing out against his black prison jumpsuit, disappeared instantly as Sigmon's whole body flinched.—
Jeffrey Collins,
CBS News,
8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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While maybe not made for the bashful, the floor-to-ceiling glass doors are incredible at expanding the space—and enjoying every last drop of water from the shower.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 Jan. 2025
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Smith’s ambition to present a no-frills establishment is no indication of a bashful pedigree.—
Lyndsay C. Green,
Detroit Free Press,
6 Mar. 2024
Adjective
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This study found that western edge residents had higher rates of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and breast cancer, as well as lower per capita income and higher health care costs.—
Beth Ann Malow,
CBS News,
8 Mar. 2025
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Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Do not follow large vehicles closely - Large vehicles like trucks or buses can create a spray of water that can reduce your visibility.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacramento Bee,
8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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There are even a few big name drummers set to take the stage — and hopefully skirt the infamous Spinal Tap drummer curse — including Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith and Metallica’s Lars Ulrich.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
12 Mar. 2025
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The end of the film sees a gravestone, as the infamous assassin is laid to rest next to his wife.—
Faisal Kutty,
Newsweek,
12 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Too much laundering can wear out, fade, or shrink fabrics before their time.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
14 Mar. 2025
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Researchers believe rosemary oil works by stimulating hair growth and blocking the effects of a type of testosterone, which shrinks hair follicles and leads to hair loss.—
Lana Barhum,
Verywell Health,
13 Mar. 2025
Articles Related to shy
Cite this Entry
“Shy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shy. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.
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