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.

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

It vows to "not shy away" from investigating any factor that led to the abuse and exploitation of victims - including culture, ethnicity and religion.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 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

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

shy

Example Sentences

Related Words