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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.

Liberals currently hold 171 of the 343 seats in the House, one shy of a technical majority.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

Musk hasn’t been shy about aligning his companies to achieve his life’s ambition of building human civilization on Mars.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

He didn’t shy away from criticizing the government on democratic governance issues either.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

Without sacrificing the book’s dark humor, Burke doesn’t shy away from the repercussions of Natalie’s choices, and scenes with her children are the most frustrating and emotionally resonant.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

I had been far too shy to ask the teacher what it meant, and Mama had blushed scarlet when I consulted her.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

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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