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.

Nicknamed “Little” for her stature, the child finds employment in the household of a shy anatomist whose trade is making wax replicas of human body parts.

From The Wall Street Journal

He seems a whole lot more interested in breaking the world record for number of pizza slices consumed in one sitting than in talking to Avery, but maybe he’s just shy.

From Literature

“I was in the inner city, I’m not going to shy away from that,” he says.

From The Wall Street Journal

The first months were difficult for the shy, introverted Spaniard, despite the presence and support of his parents.

From BBC

The Liberal government currently has 169 seats in parliament, just three shy of a majority in Canada's House of Commons.

From BBC

shy

Example Sentences

Related Words