as in shy
not comfortable around people
a sheepish scholar who is most comfortable when surrounded by books
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Recent Examples of sheepish
When the scene cuts, Brando (Matt Dillon), who had previously been chummy with Maria, looks sheepish.
—
Beatrice Loayza, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2025
The committee shared a laugh at the congressman’s sheepish realization, and the vote continued.
—Meredith Kile, People.com, 15 May 2025
Someone who asks for something directly versus someone who opts for a more sheepish approach marks a good example of the outcomes of one's upbringing.
—David Oliver, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2025
Acosta arrives last, strolling in with a sheepish grin.
—Paula Mejía, Billboard, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sheepish
Beatrice Loayza, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2025
The committee shared a laugh at the congressman’s sheepish realization, and the vote continued.
—Meredith Kile, People.com, 15 May 2025
Someone who asks for something directly versus someone who opts for a more sheepish approach marks a good example of the outcomes of one's upbringing.
—David Oliver, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2025
Acosta arrives last, strolling in with a sheepish grin.
—Paula Mejía, Billboard, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sheepish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sheepish
Adjective
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Guests did not shy from donning some of the designer’s more out-there creations.—
Joelle Diderich,
Footwear News,
9 July 2025
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Talk about Travis Scott starts just shy of the 1:30 mark.—
Michael Saponara,
Billboard,
8 July 2025
Adjective
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Often, people that indulge in this type of culture are considered anti-social or withdrawn, a stereotype that has been passed around for years.—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
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People become irritable, withdrawn, or hyper-independent.—
Barnaby Lashbrooke,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
Adjective
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There are dozens of people screaming his name and the young Ronaldo appears bashful and shy.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
15 May 2025
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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
Adjective
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While Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, and Mark Wahlberg — the lone cast member to be Oscar-nominated here — get the showier roles, Leo gives a more internal performance as Billy Costigan Jr., a rookie cop who was broken long before going undercover.—
Derek Lawrence,
EW.com,
13 July 2025
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Veteran closer Aroldis Chapman is expected to be the lone Red Sox player to take part in Tuesday’s game, which will be played at Truist Park in Atlanta starting at 8 p.m.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
13 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sheepish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sheepish. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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