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.

Job seekers, especially younger ones, shouldn’t be shy about asking questions, Salemi said.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

Despite the fund’s defensive bent, Pozen isn’t shy about Big Tech.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

They often abandon traditional pop music structures, they don’t shy away from abrasive arrangements, and Ayewa’s lyricism speaks directly to the soul.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

Gemili narrowly missed out on more medals, finishing fourth in the 200m at the Rio 2016 Olympics, just 0.003 seconds shy of bronze, before another fourth place at the Doha 2019 World Athletics Championships.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

I knew right off that they were shy, and unused to company.

From "Missing May" by Cynthia Rylant

shy

Example Sentences

Related Words