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.

Herzl found Rothschild paternalistic and overly timid, “a decent, good-natured, faint-hearted man, who utterly fails to understand the matter,” as he wrote in his diary.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

If there was a disappointment, it was the timid performance in the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea at Wembley.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

“Before he entered politics, Wilson would describe the American people as ‘selfish, ignorant, timid, stubborn and foolish.’”

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2026

But it’s just this supposed difficulty that should ideally qualify him for all but the most timid of book clubs.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

He was doing them a good turn because they had saved his life but, as Hazel knew, he could not help despising them for timid, helpless, stay-at-home creatures who could not fly.

From "Watership Down: A Novel" by Richard Adams

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!