diffident

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.

In “One of Us,” Elizabeth Day’s shrewd novel of political ambition and personal retribution, the unlikely avenger is a diffident British art historian.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 13, 2026

But the overarching tone, across the board, is oddly diffident.

From Slate • Apr. 25, 2025

Newey is a diffident, unassuming character for one of such extravagant gifts.

From BBC • Nov. 23, 2023

This isn’t to suggest that he was modest or diffident.

From New York Times • May 22, 2023

He was a slight man of about thirty-two with tan hair and brown diffident eyes.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller