BASHFUL Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

bashful

adjective

ˈbash-fəl

Definition of bashful next

as in shy

not comfortable around people a bashful child who hid in his room whenever there were visitors in the house

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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

Examples 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 Perhaps you’ll be asked to act in a moving-picture show, participate in a mustache contest, take a drawing class, help a gang rob a bank or inspire a bashful Calico resident to ask a lady to the afternoon hoedown. —

Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2024 During the run, Escola posed for backstage photos with the likes of Pedro Pascal, Sarah Jessica Parker, Sally Field and Steven Spielberg — and is not bashful about how exciting these brushes with fame can be. —

Shane O’Neill, Washington Post, 6 July 2024 Nelly then touched her pendant again while smiling, and a bashful Ashanti turned them away from the crowd. —

Kimi Robinson, USA TODAY, 19 June 2024 Meryl stood next to her throughout, wearing a calming white gown and glasses, making a series of grateful and stunned and moved and chuffed and bashful facial expressions and occasionally fanning herself, which is to say, being Meryl Streep. —

Rachel Handler, Vulture, 14 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for bashful