diffident

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.

In “One of Us,” Elizabeth Day’s shrewd novel of political ambition and personal retribution, the unlikely avenger is a diffident British art historian.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 13, 2026

But the overarching tone, across the board, is oddly diffident.

From Slate • Apr. 25, 2025

She is as diffident and self-doubting as LuPone is fearless and forthright.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 4, 2024

They may share an extreme level of competitiveness but they are very different characters, Newey's diffident nature contrasting with Horner's front-foot aggression.

From BBC • Feb. 8, 2024

There were diffident raps on the factory window.

From "Slaughterhouse-Five" by Kurt Vonnegut