shy away

VERB

blench

Synonyms

STRONG

cringe quail quaver recoil shake shrink shudder tremble wince

WEAK

draw back shrink back

Antonyms

STRONG

calm face meet steady

VERB

hang back

Synonyms

WEAK

drop back drop behind hang fire hang off hold back hold off hover lag behind pause procrastinate shrink back stay back stick straggle trail

Antonyms

WEAK

forge ahead

VERB

hesitate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

balk dither falter pause ponder stumble waffle waver

STRONG

alternate balance dally debate defer delay demur dillydally doubt equivocate flounder fluctuate fumble hang hedge hover linger oscillate pussyfoot scruple seesaw shift shrink stammer stop straddle stutter swerve tergiversate vacillate weigh

WEAK

be irresolute be reluctant be unwilling blow hot and cold hang back hem and haw hold back hold off pull back sit on fence think about think twice

Antonyms

STRONGEST

continue persist

STRONG

advance agree do well expedite face go go along hasten hurry meet remain rush stay

WEAK

attack carry on go ahead persevere resolve

VERB

recoil

Synonyms

STRONGEST

backfire balk blanch blink cringe demur flinch hesitate reel shudder tremble turn away waver wince

STRONG

blench carom dodge duck falter jerk kick quail quake react rebound resile shake shirk shrink spring start stick stickle swerve withdraw

WEAK

draw back pull back step back

Antonyms

STRONGEST

steady

STRONG

face meet remain stay

VERB

turn

Synonyms

STRONGEST

change convert move return shift swing switch transform twist

STRONG

about-face aim alter alternate backslide capsize curve depart detour detract deviate digress direct diverge incline inverse invert loop pivot recoil redirect regress relapse retrace revert sheer shunt sidetrack subvert sway swerve swirl tack upset vary veer volte-face wheel whip around whirl zigzag

WEAK

call off change position double back face about go back rechannel

Antonyms

STRONGEST

hold keep persist remain stagnate stay

STRONG

continue develop grow lose progress straighten

WEAK

make well

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.

He said many patients had never heard of penile cancer and that even with prostate cancer - where there is more awareness - men shy away from getting help due to embarrassment.

From BBC • May 6, 2026

In the U.S., group sales were 12% lower on year over the most recent three-month period as health-conscious consumer continue to shy away from drinking.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 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

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

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

I had always worried that guys would shy away when they heard about my history.

From "How Dare the Sun Rise" by Sandra Uwiringiyimana

shy away

Example Sentences

Related Words