1
as in excitable
easily excited by nature
the skittish colt leapt up when we approached
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in timid
easily frightened
the cat is skittish around people she doesn't know
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in volatile
likely to change frequently, suddenly, or unexpectedly
a skittish housing market had both buyers and sellers on edge
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of skittish
Soaring food and energy costs related to world conflicts, post-pandemic labor shortages, and consumers skittish about spending in this turbulent economy have become huge challenges for restaurateurs, Guez says.
—
Vivian Song, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2026
The filmmaker shows a strong handle over the film’s fanciful tone and fitfully filthy sense of humor, and he’s credited with composing the film’s score full of squawking brass instruments and skittish strings in addition to writing, directing and editing.
—Stephen Saito, Variety, 16 Mar. 2026
Investors have become skittish and are looking for value.
—Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 10 Mar. 2026
Dolphins fans are so skittish about quarterback decisions by now the common sentiment is to let seventh-rounder Quinn Ewers compete with similar, low-cost names this year, lose a lot of games and draft one next spring.
—Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for skittish
Vivian Song, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2026
The filmmaker shows a strong handle over the film’s fanciful tone and fitfully filthy sense of humor, and he’s credited with composing the film’s score full of squawking brass instruments and skittish strings in addition to writing, directing and editing.
—Stephen Saito, Variety, 16 Mar. 2026
Investors have become skittish and are looking for value.
—Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 10 Mar. 2026
Dolphins fans are so skittish about quarterback decisions by now the common sentiment is to let seventh-rounder Quinn Ewers compete with similar, low-cost names this year, lose a lot of games and draft one next spring.
—Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for skittish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skittish
Adjective
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An unexpected collaboration opportunity is very possible under today’s trine between excitable Mars and erratic Uranus.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
8 Apr. 2026
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At the Ricardo residence in the ’50s sitcom I Love Lucy, over-the-top housewife Lucy and Ricky, her excitable husband, were always getting into some sort of entertaining hijinks.—
Michael Gioia,
Architectural Digest,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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And also the anticipatory obedience by a lot of these news organizations who are more timid.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
22 Apr. 2026
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The film follows Colin (Harry Melling), a timid man who is swept off of his feet by Ray (Alexander Skarsgård), an impossibly handsome biker, who takes him on as his submissive.—
Diana Lodderhose,
Deadline,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Demand rises, infrastructure costs increase, and households remain exposed to volatile energy prices.—
Ed Gaskin,
Boston Herald,
26 Apr. 2026
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Traders on the prediction market site Polymarket were giving Musk 32% odds of success as of Friday, after weeks of volatile price swings.—
David Ingram,
NBC news,
26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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In the draft room, Bisciotti looked nervous as the pick approached, worried another team — or even his own GM — might snag Randall.—
Michael Silver,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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Some nervous Democrats and their allies worry that language could thwart installation of a Democratic majority in the next Congress.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Known for his unpredictable, edgy behavior and fiery personality, Gritty has expanded the traditional boundaries of what a sports team mascot can be or do.—
Samantha Agate,
Miami Herald,
28 Apr. 2026
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Special legislative sessions are unpredictable, and people on both sides say the Florida fight is far from over, with mistrust of the medical establishment still running high after the COVID-19 pandemic.—
Kerry Sheridan,
NPR,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Skittish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skittish. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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