timid crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "timid," you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you through your puzzle.
Solutions for "timid crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
SHY: A common and direct synonym for timid, often used in puzzles.
7 Letters
FEARFUL: Implies being full of fear, a core aspect of timidity and a frequent crossword solution.
BASHFUL: Describes someone who is reluctant to draw attention to themselves, very similar to timid.
NERVOUS: Feeling or showing a tendency to be fearful or anxious, often leading to timid behavior.
8 Letters
COWARDLY: Describes someone lacking courage, strongly associated with timid behavior.
9 Letters
DIFFIDENT: Lacking confidence in one's own ability, worth, or fitness; shy; timid.
12 Letters
APPREHENSIVE: Suggests worry or anxiety about the future, leading to a hesitant or timid demeanor.
More About "timid crossword clue"
The word "timid" in crosswords is a classic clue that tests your vocabulary for synonyms related to fear, shyness, and a lack of courage. While "SHY" is often the go-to answer for shorter slots, puzzles frequently delve into more nuanced or lengthier terms like "FEARFUL," "COWARDLY," or "APPREHENSIVE." Understanding these variations is crucial for a complete solution.
Crossword setters love to play with words. "Timid" might appear as a straightforward definition, or it could be part of a cryptic clue, hinting at wordplay. Always consider the context of the puzzle, whether it's a quick daily crossword or a more challenging cryptic one, as this can influence the expected answer.
Remember that synonyms for "timid" can range from mild reluctance to outright fear. Thinking about the degree of timidity implied can sometimes help you narrow down the correct answer when multiple options fit the letter count.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Before anything else, check the number of boxes available. This immediately eliminates many possibilities and guides your synonym search for "timid."
- Think of Synonyms and Antonyms: For "timid," brainstorm related words like shy, afraid, hesitant, bashful, cowardly. Sometimes, thinking of antonyms (bold, brave) can also spark ideas for the opposite, which might be clued elsewhere.
- Check Surrounding Letters: If you have a few letters already filled in from intersecting words, use them to quickly test if a potential "timid" answer fits the pattern. This is often the fastest way to confirm a solution.
- Look for Contextual Clues: Does the clue for "timid" have any additional words or phrases that might suggest a specific nuance, such as "a bit timid" versus "extremely timid"? These details can point to milder or stronger synonyms.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "timid" mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, "timid" often points to direct synonyms like SHY, FEARFUL, COWARDLY, or BASHFUL. It can also hint at related actions or states such as HESITANT or APPREHENSIVE. The number of letters in the answer is your key guide.
Are there short answers for "timid" in crosswords?
Yes, the most common short answer for "timid" is "SHY," which is 3 letters. Other short possibilities depend on the specific puzzle and setter's creativity, but SHY is a frequent go-to.
How can knowing synonyms for "timid" help me solve crosswords?
Expanding your vocabulary with synonyms for "timid" (e.g., diffident, hesitant, pusillanimous, nervous) allows you to quickly test various word lengths and nuances, significantly speeding up your puzzle-solving process when you encounter this clue.