"Shy away" is a common phrase used to express hesitation or reluctance in participating, whether it be in a conversation, activity, or task. There are several synonyms that could be used in place of "shy away", such as "avoid", "refrain", "withdraw", "retreat", or "recoil". These words all convey a sense of reluctance or fear in stepping forward and getting involved. Other related synonyms include "hesitate", "dawdle", "procrastinate", "delay", and "linger". It's important to note that each of these words have slightly different connotations and nuances, so the appropriate synonym should be chosen based on the context and intended meaning.