as in humbly
in a manner showing no signs of pride or self-assertion
the younger boy, who idolized the older one, would sheepishly follow him around and be at his beck and call
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sheepishly
This is sending shivers down the spines of regular Democrats, who now sheepishly admit the party has been turned over to the left-wing loons.
—
Voice Of The People,
New York Daily News,
27 June 2026
The boy stepped out of the chair, thanked the staff and said goodbye — only to sheepishly return for a hug with Hiniker.
—
Grant Stringer,
Mercury News,
18 June 2026
Rather than a nod of respect, Spurs fans—myself now sheepishly included—are finding their favorite tees and caps drawing chirps, sneers, and curses.
—
Joan Kennedy,
Vogue,
10 June 2026
The 22-year-old sheepishly asked if Tarasenko could help him with his laundry.
—
Joe Smith,
New York Times,
27 May 2026
Lateef sheepishly raked his hand through his hair.
—
Literary Hub,
24 Apr. 2026
Liu sheepishly turned and applauded the 17-year-old Nakai, who raced over and hugged her.
—
Dave Skretta,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Feb. 2026
Hisatsune sent roars through the stadium par-3 16th by sinking a 7-foot birdie putt and smiled sheepishly at his chip in on 17 after hitting his tee shot left into the pond.
—
Dallas Morning News,
6 Feb. 2026
Shields, 62, sheepishly joked after two false starts.
—
Jazz Monroe,
Pitchfork,
28 Nov. 2025
Voice Of The People,
New York Daily News,
27 June 2026
The boy stepped out of the chair, thanked the staff and said goodbye — only to sheepishly return for a hug with Hiniker.
—
Grant Stringer,
Mercury News,
18 June 2026
Rather than a nod of respect, Spurs fans—myself now sheepishly included—are finding their favorite tees and caps drawing chirps, sneers, and curses.
—
Joan Kennedy,
Vogue,
10 June 2026
The 22-year-old sheepishly asked if Tarasenko could help him with his laundry.
—
Joe Smith,
New York Times,
27 May 2026
Lateef sheepishly raked his hand through his hair.
—
Literary Hub,
24 Apr. 2026
Liu sheepishly turned and applauded the 17-year-old Nakai, who raced over and hugged her.
—
Dave Skretta,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Feb. 2026
Hisatsune sent roars through the stadium par-3 16th by sinking a 7-foot birdie putt and smiled sheepishly at his chip in on 17 after hitting his tee shot left into the pond.
—
Dallas Morning News,
6 Feb. 2026
Shields, 62, sheepishly joked after two false starts.
—
Jazz Monroe,
Pitchfork,
28 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sheepishly
Adverb
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The restaurant from Yao and co-owners Ryan Bailey and Nikki Reginaldo began humbly, as did its beverage program.
-
The post shows the actress going from humbly accepting the compliment to striking her best modeling poses as the wind blows through her hair.
Adverb
-
Sincere meekly hands her a flower from his pocket and sits down, appearing penitent.
-
Whether a man chose to use that pistol or meekly give up the money to a robber was up to him.
Adverb
-
Contreras, to his credit, came out and pleaded his case politely after interim manager Chad Tracy had a conversation with the umpire.
-
Your perspective is changing, but choosing to stay politely objective or undecided will no longer suffice, Libra.
Adverb
-
Outwardly Smart behaved submissively, following her captors’ instructions while always looking for a way to escape.
Cite this Entry
“Sheepishly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sheepishly. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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