timid

adjective

ˈti-məd How to pronounce timid (audio)
Definition of timidnext
as in shy
easily frightened a timid rabbit hopped cautiously out of the hedge

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 timid Topping Sumrall’s list is a pass defense that was too often left flat-footed, timid and struggling to communicate against the Owls’ up-tempo attack. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Sep. 2026 Unapologetically himself yet timid all at once, Ali vehemently opposed the Vietnam War and sought justice for all. — Ruby Grisin, Louisville Courier Journal, 5 Sep. 2026 Conversely, timid or softened feedback delivered to struggling employees creates a false sense of security, signaling that there is no urgency to adjust course. — Luciana Paulise, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 Knight was timid, and his interview was practiced, Becker said. — CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for timid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for timid
  1. shy
  2. fearful
  3. timorous
  4. scary
  5. scared
  6. mousy
  7. afraid
  8. terrified
Adjective
  • The film put Villeneuve on the map and made just shy of $85 million worldwide for Lionsgate.
    — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 5 Oct. 2026
  • If another forward gets hurt, the next recalls are Hutson and Marjala, who are shy of Howard.
    — Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of shy
Adjective
  • Davidson struck me as being fearful, clinging to a handful of ugly stories about trans people as a sign of things to come in women-only spaces.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Oct. 2026
  • In the early days after his diagnosis, my dad grew more fearful, more depressed.
    — Trisha Thadani Kirsten Potter Tanya Pérez Devin Murphy, New York Times, 4 Oct. 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
  • Stephens celebrated in the immediate aftermath, and Moore was carted off in a scary scene.
    — Ryan Canfield OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026
  • These jack-o-lantern quesadillas with beans and cheddar are much easier — and less scary.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of scary
Adjective
  • But others remain scared about losing coverage, including Heather Reel, who attended a rally at the state capitol in July to push back against Montana's early rollout.
    — Aaron Bolton, NPR, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Cooper, for his part, acts all scared when Kat mentions visiting him and Gen in Fort Lauderdale.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of scared
Adjective
  • Yesterday morning, at Milan’s Palazzo del Ghiaccio, Max Mara showed a collection of funnel-neck trench coats, unstructured blazers and linen safari jackets in mousy shades of grey and brown for spring 2027.
    — Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2026
  • After years without contact, Sandra mysteriously invites her outspoken, alcoholic mother, Diane (Dianne Weist), and her mousy sister, April (Naomi Watts), to the premiere of her upcoming Broadway show.
    — Matthew Huff, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of mousy
Adjective
  • Her patient, Maya, who is afraid of doctors and hospitals, squealed with excitement.
    — Deepa Fernandes, STAT, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Daly will play Helen Adler, a dedicated birder who’s not afraid to ruffle feathers when her flock is threatened.
    — Isabelle Farina, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of afraid
Adjective
  • Even after the attacker was restrained, passengers remained terrified.
    — Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026
  • This kind of conversation always leaves me half-amused, half-terrified.
    — Alicja Turczyk, The Dial, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of terrified

Browse Nearby Words

timeworn
timid
timidity
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Timid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/timid. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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