Diffident
Diffident adjective - Not comfortable around people.
Usage example: for someone who makes a living performing for other people, the actress is remarkably diffident in real life
Shy is a synonym for diffident in restraint topic. In some cases you can use "Shy" instead the word "Diffident" as an adjective or a noun, when it comes to topics like hesitant, retiring. popular alternative
Nearby Words: diffidence, diffidently
Shy
Shy adjective - Not comfortable around people.
Usage example: a shy person who finds talking to anyone but a close friend to be an awkward and unpleasant experience
Diffident is a synonym for shy in restraint topic. You can use "Diffident" instead an adjective "Shy", if it concerns topics such as bashful, timid, retiring, quiet and self-conscious. popular alternative
Mutual synonyms
Cite this Source
Shy and Diffident. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/diffident/shy
Diffident & Shy. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/diffident/shy>.
Shy or Diffident. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/diffident/shy.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "diffident" and "shy" have occurred on timeline