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.

"I'm not shying away from that. However, I would say that the love actually does outshine the hate."

From BBC

Amy and I have never shied from telling our kids we love them—early, often and frequently in ways that embarrass them in front of their peers.

From The Wall Street Journal

Here’s why some home sellers shy away from FHA buyers and how to work around that problem.

From MarketWatch

Many tech startups and titans have not been shy about broadcasting that they are cutting back on hiring plans as AI allows them to do more programming with fewer people.

From Los Angeles Times

Islamic terrorism is complicated, and Indian cinema shouldn’t shy away from its complexities.

From The Wall Street Journal

shy

Example Sentences

Related Words