1
a
: lively or frisky in action : capricious
b
2
: easily frightened : restive
a skittish horse
skittishly
adverb
skittishness
noun
Examples of skittish in a Sentence
We've been skittish about taking on such a large mortgage.
the skittish colt leapt up when we approached
Recent Examples on the Web
Global market sentiment is becoming more skittish over the conflict between Iran and Israel and the possibility of further U.S. involvement.
—
Ganesh Rao,jenni Reid,holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 19 June 2025
As work on the record proceeded laboriously over the course of a year, its cryptic lyrics and decidedly non-pop orchestrations were greeted with increasing resistance from the other Beach Boys (especially the vocal Love) and skittish label executives.
—Chris Morris, Variety, 11 June 2025
Joseph Krings’ skittish edits coupled with Will Bates’ haunting music underscore how scary a place Joe’s head can be.
—Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 6 June 2025
With no electricity and a rocky terrain, scientists have to haul their gear and other materials to the island with boats when the tides are right, making in-person observations of the skittish capuchin monkeys difficult.
—Marlowe Starling, CNN Money, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for skittish
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Ganesh Rao,jenni Reid,holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 19 June 2025
As work on the record proceeded laboriously over the course of a year, its cryptic lyrics and decidedly non-pop orchestrations were greeted with increasing resistance from the other Beach Boys (especially the vocal Love) and skittish label executives.
—Chris Morris, Variety, 11 June 2025
Joseph Krings’ skittish edits coupled with Will Bates’ haunting music underscore how scary a place Joe’s head can be.
—Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 6 June 2025
With no electricity and a rocky terrain, scientists have to haul their gear and other materials to the island with boats when the tides are right, making in-person observations of the skittish capuchin monkeys difficult.
—Marlowe Starling, CNN Money, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for skittish
Cite this Entry
“Skittish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skittish. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
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