as in mice
a shy or reserved person
a reality show that wants shameless exhibitionists, not shrinking violets
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Recent Examples of shrinking violets
This spring there are no shrinking violets, only beguiling wallflowers.
—
Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 3 Jan. 2026
Nobody would have called it that back in the 1960s, of course, but the man who shares a name with a Roman emperor (those guys weren't shrinking violets either) tends to be the biggest presence on any starship bridge.
—Richard Edwards, Space.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 3 Jan. 2026
Nobody would have called it that back in the 1960s, of course, but the man who shares a name with a Roman emperor (those guys weren't shrinking violets either) tends to be the biggest presence on any starship bridge.
—Richard Edwards, Space.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shrinking violets
Noun
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Pet Food Dry pet food has a high protein content that mice love.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
28 Dec. 2025
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In our marketing, the Get-Ready Yeti and the gifting mice Lenny, Berry, and Merry have become breakout stars.—
Cara Sylvester,
Fortune,
26 Nov. 2025
Noun
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To add to this, introverts gain more motivation from the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
28 Oct. 2025
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Many famous leaders are introverts Various notable business leaders have described themselves as being introverts, from Meta’s Zuckerberg, to Microsoft’s co-founder Bill Gates, and chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Warren Buffett.—
Sawdah Bhaimiya,
CNBC,
26 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The four fragrances will be available to purchase in a wide assortment, including three-wick candles, fine fragrance mists, body creams, body washes, foaming hand soaps, hand sanitizer sprays, laundry care, decor and wallflowers.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
14 Oct. 2025
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Alternative Sale at a Glance Hand soaps for $4, three-wick candles for $13, and wallflowers for $4 are just the beginning.—
Katie Decker-Jacoby,
StyleCaster,
7 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shrinking violets.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shrinking%20violets. Accessed 8 Jan. 2026.
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