Definitions

timid

[tim-id] / ˈtɪm ɪd /

ADJECTIVE

shy

Synonyms

STRONGEST

ambivalent bashful demure diffident fearful feeble frightened gentle humble modest nervous weak

STRONG

Milquetoast shrinking trembling wavering yellow

WEAK

afraid apprehensive badgered browbeaten bullied capricious cowardly cowed cowering coy daunted fainthearted having cold feet intimidated irresolute mousy pusillanimous retiring shaky soft spineless spiritless submissive timorous unassertive unassured unnerved vacillating

Antonyms

STRONGEST

able bold brave calm conceited courageous egotistical extroverted loud proud strong unabashed unafraid

WEAK

daring fearless

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.

Books such as the Timid Little Rabbit and Bela Bellchaud and her Parrots became classics for East German pre-schoolers.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2022

Timid but curious, she allowed me to scratch one of her velvety ears as she sniffed my jacket.

From Slate • Jun. 9, 2021

Timid and studious, young Corey joined the Cub Scouts and wrote a letter to the Navy asking to enlist when he was all of 8 years old.

From Washington Post • Oct. 24, 2018

Barney Ronay • Timid and disjointed: where did it go wrong for Manchester United?

From The Guardian • Dec. 14, 2015

So thinks thy Timid & Affectionate Brother, Evidence Goring My dear Fruition — I have done my Good Work for today & shall set it down.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party" by M.T. Anderson

Vocabulary lists containing timid

The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 5

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The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone

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Emotions on Display

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!