timid

adjective

ˈti-məd How to pronounce timid (audio)
Definition of timidnext
as in fearful
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 Cannoli certainly seemed to be timid around dogs who bark a lot, leading Saulino to believe she felt intimidated by them. — David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025 Zych was impressed by Lekki’s transformation from timid freshman to inspiring team leader. — Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2025 After a timid start to the game from both sides, the intensity picked up considerably as the game went on. — Arpon Basu, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025 For most of the game, though, Love was timid, inaccurate and couldn’t lead Green Bay’s offense anywhere. — Rob Reischel, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for timid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for timid
  1. fearful
  2. shy
  3. scary
  4. timorous
  5. afraid
  6. scared
  7. mousy
Adjective
  • The first grooming session left her dog fearful and anxious, which is common among canines.
    — Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Morale inside the agency has plummeted, and retirees are growing fearful that the system might start faltering in getting checks out.
    — Shahar Ziv, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of fearful
Adjective
  • Those directly involved, however, were never shy to say that Jones’ role and level of play proved critical for a group that went from one of the NFL’s worst to among its very best.
    — Parker Gabriel, The Denver Post, 9 Mar. 2025
  • An important late-season matchup is in store, as Brighton (43 points, 8th place) and Fulham (42 points, 9th place) sit only a few points shy of Nottingham Forest (48 points, 3rd place) in the Premier League table.
    — William Lambers, Newsweek, 8 Mar. 2025
Definition of shy
Adjective
  • There’s a lot to love with Tuten and his ceiling is super high, but the floor is extremely scary because of his fumbles.
    — Steve Bradshaw, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
  • The incident was so scary that cameras didn't show Goldsmith on the ice being tended by trainers.
    — Ryan Canfield, Fox News, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of scary
Adjective
  • Hundreds of timorous Timothée Chalamet lookalikes congregated in Washington Square Park.
    — Raven Smith, Vogue, 18 Dec. 2024
  • Phillips has made a jukebox spectacle that’s bold in conception but oddly cautious, even timorous, in execution.
    — A.A. Dowd, Vulture, 11 Oct. 2024
Definition of timorous
Adjective
  • His untraditional views attracted the attention of health journalists eager to hear more about the quick-talking, engaging surgeon who wasn’t afraid of discussing such unprecedented strategies.
    — Alice Park, TIME, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Go Dark Don't be afraid to add bits of gothic drama to bring a moody, mysterious sense to your home.
    — Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of afraid
Adjective
  • As the scream queen, there’s a role that Sam’s character can play, either angry at Paul, fighting back, or super scared.
    — Barry Levitt, Rolling Stone, 15 Mar. 2025
  • TikTok is eating our lunch, and executives are scared.
    — Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of scared
Adjective
  • First there’s Jill (Helena Wilson), the seemingly mousy one who has remained cooped up with mom decades after the others have bolted.
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2024
  • But Denise’s story is effectively just thrown aside as the focus moves on to Denise’s supposedly mousy yet horny neighbor Nicole (Sanda Codreanu).
    — Leslie Felperin, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Definition of mousy

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Cite this Entry

“Timid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/timid. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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