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 Cher was bashful to be busted but then couldn’t help laughing out loud at the audacity. —Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 3 Apr. 2025 Or maybe the movie’s stars are just feeling a bit bashful! —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 11 Mar. 2025 But that hasn't stopped Chisholm, who is not bashful about adding chains and non-uniform colors to his look, from getting criticism. —Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 26 Mar. 2025 Due to his crush on Snow White, bashful is a romantic at heart. —Lisa Stardust, People.com, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bashful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bashful
  1. shy
  2. withdrawn
Adjective
  • The unembellished style is well suited for Lake Orta, the quietly beautiful but shy little sister of northern Italy’s more glamorous resort towns.
    — Ann Abel, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • And that group never has been shy in expressing its confidence.
    — Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2025
Definition of shy
Adjective
  • Notice if the child becomes withdrawn, anxious, or shows signs of distress connected to a friendship.
    — Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 10 July 2025
  • Often, people that indulge in this type of culture are considered anti-social or withdrawn, a stereotype that has been passed around for years.
    — Dominick Williams, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2025
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 30 Jul. 2025.

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