crossword clue timid – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! Here you'll find comprehensive solutions for the crossword clue "timid," broken down by letter count for quick and easy reference. Whether you're stuck on a daily puzzle or a challenging cryptic, we've got the answers you need.
Solutions for "crossword clue timid" by Letter Count
3 Letters
SHY: Easily embarrassed or diffident.
COY: Making a pretense of shyness or modesty that is intended to be alluring.
6 Letters
TREPID: Feeling or showing fear or apprehension; a less common synonym for timid, often found in crosswords.
MOUSEY: Quiet, timid, or ineffectual, often used to describe a person's demeanor.
7 Letters
FEARFUL: Feeling or showing fear or apprehension, a direct and common synonym for timid.
NERVOUS: Easily agitated or alarmed; tending to be anxious, which often manifests as timid behavior.
BASHFUL: Reluctant to draw attention to oneself; shy and easily embarrassed, closely related to timid.
8 Letters
SKITTISH: Easily scared; nervous and apprehensive, often used to describe animals but also people.
9 Letters
DIFFIDENT: Modest or shy because of a lack of self-confidence, a more formal and precise synonym for timid.
More About "crossword clue timid"
The word "timid" in crosswords generally points to a state of being fearful, shy, or lacking in confidence. It's a common clue that can have a variety of answers depending on the specific nuance and, critically, the number of letters required for the solution. Clues for "timid" might range from straightforward synonyms like "shy" to more evocative terms like "fearful" or even less common words like "trepid."
Understanding the different facets of "timid" can greatly help in solving. For instance, if the clue implies social anxiety, "bashful" or "coy" might be fitting. If it suggests a general lack of courage, "nervous" or "apprehensive" could be the answer. Crossword constructors often play on these subtle differences, so having a broad vocabulary of synonyms for "timid" is incredibly useful.
Pay close attention to any surrounding words in the clue (e.g., "timid, perhaps" or "act timidly") as they can hint at adverbs or slightly different forms of the word, guiding you to the precise answer needed to complete your grid.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters First: Always confirm the exact number of letters needed from the crossword grid. This is the single most important step in narrowing down possible answers for "timid."
- Consider Nuance: Think about the specific context of "timid." Is it describing a general trait, a temporary feeling, or a specific type of shyness? This can help distinguish between similar length answers like "fearful" and "nervous."
- Look for Common Crossword Synonyms: Crosswords often recycle certain words. For "timid," words like SHY, COY, and FEARFUL are very common. Also, be prepared for less common but classic crossword answers like TREPID or DIFFIDENT.
- Check Intersecting Letters: Use any letters from intersecting words that you've already filled in. These letters are your best friends in confirming or eliminating potential solutions for "timid."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find the correct length for a crossword answer?
The correct length for a crossword answer is usually indicated by the puzzle grid itself, showing the number of empty squares available for the word. Some online puzzles or apps might also explicitly state the word length next to the clue. Always double-check the number of boxes to ensure your answer fits perfectly.
What's the difference between 'shy' and 'timid' in crosswords?
While 'shy' is often a direct synonym and common answer for 'timid', 'timid' can imply a broader sense of fear or lack of courage, whereas 'shy' often relates more to social discomfort or modesty. Both are frequently interchangeable in puzzles, but knowing subtle nuances can sometimes help differentiate between similar clues or when fewer letters are needed for 'shy'.
Are there any less common synonyms for 'timid' used in crosswords?
Yes, crosswords often use less common or more formal synonyms to challenge solvers. For 'timid', you might encounter words like TREPID, PUSILLANIMOUS, or FAINTHEARTED. Expanding your vocabulary of synonyms, especially lesser-used ones, is a great strategy for tackling tougher clues and improving your solving speed.