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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.

But major indexes like the S&P 500 and Nasdaq composite remained just shy of record territory.

From MarketWatch • May 4, 2026

Last season, I was quite shy and stuff and now I feel a bit more like a leader in the group.

From BBC • May 2, 2026

Sales rose 13% to $5.97 billion, just shy of the mean analyst target of $6.02 billion.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

Apple delivered a "standout quarter" even though iPhone revenue came in just shy of expectations, according to Emarketer senior tech analyst Jacob Bourne.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

He’s a good guy but shy and a little awkward —which has caused him some grief over the years.

From "Popcorn" by Rob Harrell

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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