Synonyms for

Shy

Verb / ʃaɪ / Another word for shy — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Shy means being nervous or afraid of other people.

Synonyms & similar words

confident unsure diffident timid timid bashful nervous apprehensive hesitant reserved reticent introverted self-conscious diffident unassertive withdrawn demure coy modest unassuming meek insecure unsure fearful

Synonyms by register

Formal

diffident reserved timid modest

Informal

bashful sheepish retiring coy

Literary

demure unassuming

Antonyms

bold confident outgoing brave assured uninhibited forward

Common collocations

  • shy away from
  • shy about
  • shy and retiring
  • a shy smile
  • a shy person
  • too shy to
  • shy of confrontation

Word family

noun shyness
adjective shy
adverb shyly

Usage note

Shy primarily describes a person's reluctance to engage socially due to nervousness or self-consciousness. It is generally a neutral term, though it can sometimes imply a lack of confidence.

Example sentences

  1. The shy boy didn't want to perform on stage.
  2. She is so shy that she hides behind her mom when meeting new people.
  3. The shy dog hid under the bed when visitors came over.
  4. He felt shy about asking for help.
  5. The shy deer ran away when we got too close.

Quotes

  • "I'm very shy really. I spend a lot of time in my room alone reading or writing or watching television." - Johnny Cash
  • "I used to be very shy. When I first started, I had to go to a casting where there were at least 1,000 people waiting outside." - Cara Delevingne
  • "Shy people are like a turtle; when they feel unsafe they go into their shell." - Unknown

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