The phrase "shrinks from" refers to someone recoiling or avoiding a situation or action. Synonyms for this phrase include "avoids," "evades," "shies away from," "backpedals," "withdraws," "retreats from," "flees," "hesitates," "flinches," and "cowers." Each of these words implies a sense of apprehension or fear that causes a person to shrink away from something. Using synonyms for "shrinks from" can add variety and nuance to your writing by allowing you to convey different shades of meaning depending on the context.