as in timid
easily frightened
the sport of river rafting is not for those who are fainthearted
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Recent Examples of fainthearted
The results are not for the fainthearted, as very thick, dry skin tends to peel off in layers.
—
Jacqueline Kilikita, refinery29.com, 30 May 2024
This film is not for the fainthearted or weak-stomached.
—Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 30 June 2021
Even the most fainthearted and tremulous of our fellow citizens—our CEOs—could stick up for free speech without being called Nazi sympathizers.
—WSJ, 23 Apr. 2021
Moreover, restricting the initiative to projects in developed markets is a fainthearted stipulation that will hopefully be swiftly abandoned.
—Washington Post, 20 Sep. 2019
Ballet Theater itself is suddenly looking fainthearted and uncoordinated as a theatrical troupe.
—Alastair MacAulay, New York Times, 15 June 2018
Maggie Gyllenhaal plays Lee, a fainthearted young woman with a troubled past whose first job is a secretarial position under an overbearing lawyer, Edward (James Spader).
—Sara Aridi, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2017
Jacqueline Kilikita, refinery29.com, 30 May 2024
This film is not for the fainthearted or weak-stomached.
—Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 30 June 2021
Even the most fainthearted and tremulous of our fellow citizens—our CEOs—could stick up for free speech without being called Nazi sympathizers.
—WSJ, 23 Apr. 2021
Moreover, restricting the initiative to projects in developed markets is a fainthearted stipulation that will hopefully be swiftly abandoned.
—Washington Post, 20 Sep. 2019
Ballet Theater itself is suddenly looking fainthearted and uncoordinated as a theatrical troupe.
—Alastair MacAulay, New York Times, 15 June 2018
Maggie Gyllenhaal plays Lee, a fainthearted young woman with a troubled past whose first job is a secretarial position under an overbearing lawyer, Edward (James Spader).
—Sara Aridi, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fainthearted
Adjective
-
The slope of that ramp makes Pike’s Peak look timid.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
25 May 2025
-
The confident smile the until then timid Giulio wears on his face as a result is equally cliched.—
Tomris Laffly,
Variety,
25 May 2025
Adjective
-
Make that the second scariest, as Claire’s antics bring another menacing character into their lives, when her dealer, Jackie (Domhnall Gleeson), shows up at Echo Valley looking for 10 grand in heroin.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
7 June 2025
-
Not only is sitting on the potty all by yourself a little bit scary, but nobody likes putting play to a stop to use the potty, either.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
6 June 2025
Adjective
-
As the Republican Party braces for aftershocks from President Donald Trump’s spectacular clash with Elon Musk, lawmakers and conservative figures are urging détente, fearful of the potential consequences from a prolonged feud.—
Chris Megerian,
Chicago Tribune,
6 June 2025
-
That has put greater attention on the employment data, with investors fearful that upcoming reports will start to show consumers and businesses crumbling under the weight of tariffs.—
Sarah Min,
CNBC,
30 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fainthearted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fainthearted. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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