SHY Synonyms: 308 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'shy' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of shy are bashful , coy , diffident , and modest . While all these words mean "not inclined to be forward," shy implies a timid reserve and a shrinking from familiarity or contact with others. // shy with strangers

Q: When can 'bashful' be used instead of 'shy'?

The words bashful and shy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bashful implies a frightened or hesitant shyness characteristic of childhood and adolescence. // a bashful boy out on his first date

Q: When might 'coy' be a better fit than 'shy'?

While the synonyms coy and shy are close in meaning, coy implies a pretended shyness. // put off by her coy manner

Q: In what contexts can 'diffident' take the place of 'shy'?

In some situations, the words diffident and shy are roughly equivalent. However, diffident stresses a distrust of one's own ability or opinion that causes hesitation in acting or speaking. // felt diffident about raising an objection

Q: When could 'modest' be used to replace 'shy'?

The meanings of modest and shy largely overlap; however, modest suggests absence of undue confidence or conceit. // modest about her success

shy 1 of 2

adjective

ˈshī

Definition of shy next

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

as in withdrawn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

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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

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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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shy

2 of 2

verb

as in to flinch

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a shy person

a timid person

an introverted person

a quiet person

a bashful person

a nervous person

a shy smile

a sheepish smile

a slight smile

a subtle smile

a nervous smile

a reluctant smile

shy creatures

reclusive creatures

stealthy creatures

solitary creatures

wary creatures

skittish creatures

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective shy contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of shy are bashful, coy, diffident, and modest. While all these words mean "not inclined to be forward," shy implies a timid reserve and a shrinking from familiarity or contact with others.

shy with strangers

When can bashful be used instead of shy?

The words bashful and shy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bashful implies a frightened or hesitant shyness characteristic of childhood and adolescence.

a bashful boy out on his first date

When might coy be a better fit than shy?

While the synonyms coy and shy are close in meaning, coy implies a pretended shyness.

put off by her coy manner

In what contexts can diffident take the place of shy?

In some situations, the words diffident and shy are roughly equivalent. However, diffident stresses a distrust of one's own ability or opinion that causes hesitation in acting or speaking.

felt diffident about raising an objection

When could modest be used to replace shy?

The meanings of modest and shy largely overlap; however, modest suggests absence of undue confidence or conceit.

modest about her success

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 shy

Adjective

The First Lady also went viral for her air kiss with Trump, where the president stopped a few inches shy of actually kissing her. —

James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Jan. 2025 His calls for unity was just shy of the Black Power messaging espoused by the Black Panther Party and other more radical freedom fighters of the era. —

Essence, 20 Jan. 2025

Verb

She’s never shied from showing her heart — one that beats deeply for her hometown of L.A. Last week, the 37-year-old shared something different, posting photos of the rubble that used to be her parents’ home in the Palisades. —

Meg Linehan, The Athletic, 13 Jan. 2025 On top of the relationship-building, these types of collaborations serve brands well by addressing one of the biggest reasons customers shy away from online fashion shopping: the inconvenience of not being able to try on the item. —

Kaleigh Moore, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for shy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shy

Adjective

Woods stars as Louise, who transforms from timid wallflower into the famed burlesque dancer known as Gypsy Rose Lee.

— Kristen Tauer, WWD, 20 Jan. 2025
The video introduces several of GRRR's residents, including George, a timid golden retriever who was abused and is now slowly building his confidence around people.

— Lydia Patrick, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025