timid

adjective

tim·​id ˈti-məd How to pronounce timid (audio)
Synonyms of timid
1
: lacking in courage or self-confidence
a timid person
2
: lacking in boldness or determination
a timid policy
timidity
tə-ˈmi-də-tē How to pronounce timid (audio)
noun
timidly
ˈti-məd-lē How to pronounce timid (audio)
adverb
timidness noun

Synonyms of timid

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Examples of timid in a Sentence

She's very timid and shy when meeting strangers. He gave her a timid smile.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Don’t be timid; get the crust good and wet before proceeding. — Devra Ferst, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 June 2026 Lucerys was younger than Jacaerys and slightly more timid, but still wanted to help gather alliances for Rhaenyra. — Skyler Trepel, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026 But where the Baron is timid and bumbling, Krasznahorkai is expansive, charming, and courtly. — Merve Emre, New Yorker, 28 June 2026 That might sound too timid in 2026, too reserved for a time when rights are being rolled back every day, and Gauthier recorded a much more direct version of the song late last year. — Stephen Deusner, SPIN, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for timid

Word History

Etymology

Latin timidus, from timēre to fear

First Known Use

circa 1550, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of timid was circa 1550

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Timid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/timid. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

timid

adjective
tim·​id ˈtim-əd How to pronounce timid (audio)
: feeling or showing a lack of courage or self-confidence : shy
timidity
tə-ˈmid-ət-ē How to pronounce timid (audio)
noun
timidly
ˈtim-əd-lē How to pronounce timid (audio)
adverb
timidness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on timid

Nglish: Translation of timid for Spanish Speakers

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