bashful

adjective

ˈbash-fəl How to pronounce bashful (audio)
Definition of bashfulnext
as in shy
not comfortable around people a bashful child who hid in his room whenever there were visitors in the house

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective bashful contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of bashful are coy, diffident, modest, and shy. While all these words mean "not inclined to be forward," bashful implies a frightened or hesitant shyness characteristic of childhood and adolescence.

a bashful boy out on his first date

In what contexts can coy take the place of bashful?

In some situations, the words coy and bashful are roughly equivalent. However, coy implies a pretended shyness.

put off by her coy manner

When might diffident be a better fit than bashful?

The words diffident and bashful can be used in similar contexts, but diffident stresses a distrust of one's own ability or opinion that causes hesitation in acting or speaking.

felt diffident about raising an objection

When would modest be a good substitute for bashful?

The meanings of modest and bashful largely overlap; however, modest suggests absence of undue confidence or conceit.

modest about her success

When could shy be used to replace bashful?

The words shy and bashful are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, shy implies a timid reserve and a shrinking from familiarity or contact with others.

shy with strangers

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of bashful Cran-raspberry juice, pink lemonade concentrate, and grenadine provide its blush and bashful hue, while passionfruit juice cocktail gives it tropical flavors. — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 25 July 2026 But the groaning synthesizer underneath her bashful smile tells you something is off — a crystalline tone now distended, unnerving. — Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026 Overall and head-to-head goal differential are tiebreakers for group placement, and the Norwegians won’t be bashful about scoring as many times as possible. — Julian Cardillo, Boston Herald, 15 June 2026 Lennon’s recounting of his and Ono’s meeting at a London show of her work, and of the bashful courtship that followed, is one of the most tender and revealing parts of the interview. — Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for bashful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bashful
  1. shy
  2. withdrawn
Adjective
  • Murders were ‘ice cold’ On the day of the murders, Sierra had joined the family on a shopping outing to Mall of the Americas to purchase a birthday gift for Daniela, who was days shy of turning 4.
    — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026
  • The French 10-year bond yield jumped more than 10 basis points, taking it just shy of its highest level in decades.
    — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of shy
Adjective
  • In an era of ball-to-feet No 10s and withdrawn strikers, Welbeck stays high up the pitch, runs the channels and occupies defenders.
    — Liam Tharme, New York Times, 27 July 2026
  • The withdrawn earnings are taxed as ordinary income, the Treasury said.
    — Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 11 July 2026
Definition of withdrawn

Browse Nearby Words

bashes
bashful
bashfully
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Cite this Entry

“Bashful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bashful. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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