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 Known for his gruff vocals, LaMontagne first came to the scene in the early aughts as a timid troubadour. — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026 After all, oodles of fans still worship at the altar of Jim and Pam, the shaggy-haired salesman and timid receptionist who became a generation of besotted worker bees’ Ross and Rachel — the couple to root for who became the couple to emulate. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 9 Sep. 2026 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 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 versatile three-sport athlete has caught 44 balls for 774 yards and six touchdowns in seven games this season, just four yards shy of the most in the state, according to MaxPreps data after Week 8.
    — McClain Baxley for the AJC, AJC.com, 12 Oct. 2026
  • But that’s not always enough, a lesson that Sian Heder’s film is not shy about.
    — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of shy
Adjective
  • Katz said the rapid and steep rate movements give investors a chance to buy from the fearful and sell to the greedy.
    — Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2026
  • During the occupation, families in Izium frequently lived without electricity, gas, heat, and water, and most kept their kids off the street, fearful of the Russian military presence.
    — Scott Peterson, Christian Science Monitor, 7 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
  • The Rangers announced the devastating news on Saturday following a scary injury in which the 30-year-old’s right skate jammed into the post while gliding across his crease in the first period.
    — Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Watching her film in the water was one of the scariest moments as a mom, because the tank was pitch black.
    — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of scary
Adjective
  • Many members of the public also described to reporters and on social media feeling intimidated, scared and harassed by heavily armed security guards hired by the film company to keep the public off streets closed for the movie set.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026
  • More than anything, this adaptation feels scared of being too unlikable or scaring anyone too much.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 6 Oct. 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 14 Oct. 2026.

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