diffidence

noun

Definition of diffidencenext
as in timidity
the quality or state of lacking confidence or assertiveness He met the girl's gaze with awkward diffidence.

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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 diffidence In 1992, in his conversation with Hines, Cage spoke briefly about Sample before assuming his customary mask of benign diffidence. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 21 Dec. 2025 But Cropper’s diffidence about his abilities was the perfect mindset for a rhythm guitarist, whose job is to serve the song and the band rather than himself. — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 5 Dec. 2025 And has done so with the kind of diffidence that can only come from a lifetime in the sports backwaters. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2025 The concern now is not diffidence in New Delhi, but diffidence in Washington. — Nirupama Rao, Foreign Affairs, 30 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for diffidence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for diffidence
  1. timidity
  2. quietness
  3. submissiveness
  4. timidness
  5. reserve
  6. bashfulness
  7. submission
  8. shyness
Noun
  • My mother was never one for parting phrases, mainly because she was overwhelmed by a form of timidity that verged on self-erasure.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026
  • But in a state like Connecticut, where Democrats flipped seats in the most recent local elections, this timidity makes no sense.
    — Matthew Blinstrubas, Hartford Courant, 21 June 2026
Definition of timidity
Noun
  • These motors make a difference in efficiency and quietness levels.
    — Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 19 July 2026
  • To come up with its study, the company looked at different factors that equate to quietness, including monthly search volume, visitor ratings, average summer temperatures, access to nearby restaurants and bars, and availability of accommodations.
    — Kristine Hansen, Travel + Leisure, 9 June 2026
Definition of quietness
Noun
  • Attraction is a function of parentage and looks and submissiveness.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 May 2026
  • But for Coles, his indoctrination to law enforcement has been a different level of submissiveness.
    — Dan Pompei, New York Times, 2 Dec. 2025
Definition of submissiveness
Noun
  • Never a forward accused of timidness, his offside restraint is not down to any reluctance to make surging runs in behind.
    — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 24 June 2026
  • The Denver Post editorial is a master class in timidness and in saying nothing of import.
    — DP Opinion, Denver Post, 20 May 2026
Definition of timidness
Noun
  • Coach Mike Macdonald was pleased with reserves like Eastern and Singleton, as well as the potential that Seumalo showed.
    — Andrew Destin, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The prosecutor general’s office has stopped updating crime data; the Treasury has ceased publishing detailed budget information; and the central bank has restricted disclosure of international reserves.
    — Andrei Soldatov, Foreign Affairs, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of reserve
Noun
  • Her skin—something known as Frubber, a porous patented blend of fleshlike elastic polymers—stretched over a structure of plastic and titanium, and there was no flicker of bashfulness.
    — Dan Turello, New Yorker, 10 Jan. 2026
Definition of bashfulness
Noun
  • Its closest showing came in 2024 with Pat Boonnitipat’s How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies, which became the first Thai submission ever to reach the 15-title shortlist.
    — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Eiren’s pick now advances to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which will winnow submissions from countries around the world down to a shortlist of 15 films before narrowing to five nominees.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of submission
Noun
  • Prince George seems to have inherited Princess Diana’s endearing shyness.
    — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The smile didn’t come immediately, but suddenly the shyness gave way and her smile stretched from ear to ear.
    — Andy Clayton, New York Daily News, 26 June 2026
Definition of shyness

Browse Nearby Words

difficulty
diffidence
diffident
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Cite this Entry

“Diffidence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diffidence. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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