sheepishly
In awkward shame
Sheepishly describes doing something with mild embarrassment or self-consciousness, typically after being caught in a mistake or foolish act.
The manner suggests meekness rather than bold defensiveness: He sheepishly admitted he'd forgotten their anniversary.
The word evokes the docile, slightly foolish quality associated with sheep.
Uncomfortably self-conscious
- abashedEmbarrassed and disconcerted
- blushingFacial reddening from embarrassment
- red-facedShowing visible embarrassment
- shamefacedShowing visible embarrassment
self-conscious · flustered · awkward · uncomfortable · chagrined · mortified · humiliated · discomfited
Reserved and retiring
- meekHumbly unassertive
- diffidentLacking self-assurance
- reticentDisinclined to speak freely
- hesitantSlow to act
tentative · timorous · unassertive · shrinking · demure · reserved · inhibited · withdrawn
Expressing regret or apology
- remorsefulFeeling guilt for wrongdoing
- contriteFeeling guilt over misdeeds
- penitentOne showing remorse
- regretfulFeeling sorrow over actions
rueful · guilty · repentant · ashamed · hangdog · compunctious · self-reproach · contrition
bashful
Uncomfortably self-conscious
- abashedEmbarrassed and disconcerted
- blushingFacial reddening from embarrassment
- red-facedShowing visible embarrassment
shamefaced · self-conscious · flustered · awkward · uncomfortable · chagrined · mortified · humiliated · discomfited · coy
shy
Reserved and retiring
hesitant · tentative · timorous · unassertive · shrinking · demure · reserved · inhibited · withdrawn · mousy
sorry
Expressing regret or apology
- remorsefulFeeling guilt for wrongdoing
- contriteFeeling guilt over misdeeds
- penitentOne showing remorse
regretful · rueful · guilty · repentant · ashamed · hangdog · compunctious · self-reproach · contrition · remorse
deferential
Showing humble submission
- docileEasily controlled or taught
- compliantYielding to others' wishes
- obedientFollowing commands willingly
humble · mild · passive · yielding · acquiescent · chastened · contrite · bowing · kowtowing · capitulating
sheepishlyboldly
With fearless confidence
confidently · assertively · fearlessly · bravely · audaciously
sheepishlyshamelessly
Without feeling disgrace
unabashedly · unashamedly · unapologetically · brazenly · impenitently
sheepishlyproudly
With evident self-satisfaction
triumphantly · smugly · arrogantly · haughtily · cockily