12
cowardly(adjective, weak, nervous, shy, fearful)
12
unsure(adjective, uncertain, awkward, doubtful, hesitant)
11
nervous(adjective, weak, fear, awkward, shy)
11
reluctant(adjective, uncertain, shy, doubtful, hesitant)
10
reticent(adjective, person, feelings, secret, sneaky)
10
shamefaced(adjective, soft, shy, meek, modesty)
9
insecure(adjective, uncertain, awkward, nervous, worried)
9
shrinking(adjective, weak, nervous, shy, hesitant)
9
unobtrusive(adjective, soft, modest, shy, hesitant)
9
unpretentious(adjective, person, soft, feelings, shy)
8
apprehensive(adjective, weak, uncertain, fear, nervous)
8
doubtful(adjective, uncertain, nervous, shy, hesitant)
8
uncertain(adjective, awkward, nervous, doubtful, hesitant)
8
unconfident(adjective, uncertain, nervous, worried, hesitant)
7
introverted(adjective, feel doubt)
7
tentative(adjective, quiet, uncertain, modest, shy)
6
anxious(adjective, weak, uncertain, awkward, shy)
6
inhibited(adjective, feel doubt)
6
selfless(adjective, modest)
6
withdrawn(adjective, quiet, gentle, modest, aloof)
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APASmart Define. (2016). diffident thesaurus. Retrieved September 20, 2026, from https://smartdefine.org/diffident/thesaurus/synonyms
ChicagoSmart Define. 2016. "diffident thesaurus" https://smartdefine.org/diffident/thesaurus/synonyms (accessed September 20, 2026).
HarvardSmart Define 2016, diffident thesaurus, Smart Define, viewed 20 September, 2026, <https://smartdefine.org/diffident/thesaurus/synonyms>.
MLASmart Define. "diffident thesaurus" 24 March 2016. Web. 20 September 2026. <https://smartdefine.org/diffident/thesaurus/synonyms>