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Definitions

shy

[shahy] / ʃaɪ /
ADJECTIVE
quiet and self-conscious
Synonyms
STRONGEST
afraid apprehensive bashful cautious circumspect coy demure diffident fearful hesitant humble introverted modest nervous reluctant reticent self-effacing sheepish suspicious timid wary
STRONG
disinclined indisposed introvert loner recessive reserved retiring shrinking
WEAK
averse backward chary conscious distrustful loath shamefaced skittish unassertive unassured uneager uneffusive unresponsive unsocial unwilling
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aggressive bold brave calm careless conceited confident courageous eager egotistical extroverted fearless forward heedless immodest incautious indiscreet proud rash unabashed unafraid unashamed uncareful unfearful unshy unworried
STRONG
bent disposed inclined outgoing willing
WEAK
adequate enough unreserved
ADJECTIVE
lacking, failing
Synonyms
STRONG
scant scanty short wanting
WEAK
deficient inadequate insufficient scarce unsufficient
Antonyms
STRONG
adequate sufficient
WEAK
enough

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Or take Pangram’s appearance in the Shy Girl cancellation.

From Slate • Apr. 17, 2026

Over the past month, A.I. detection has been at the center of a series of controversies: Hachette pulled the horror novel Shy Girl by Mia Ballard after detectors flagged it as substantially A.I.-generated.

From Slate • Apr. 17, 2026

Shy but a powerful hitter on court, Rybakina was in the spotlight again 12 months ago for non-tennis reasons.

From Barron's • Jan. 30, 2026

Shy of any eye flutters, we’re doing that same directive every night.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2025

Shy as a mouse, she asked if she might wear a real Swanburne uniform in honor of the day.

From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood

Vocabulary lists containing shy

Scrabble: Words with no Vowels

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myPerspectives 6.2

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Mr. Popper’s Penguins

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