1
as in excitable
easily excited by nature
the skittish colt leapt up when we approached
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of skittish
Perhaps its the skittish nature of the warthogs, kudu, wildebeest, and other delicious animals roaming the plain.
—
Frederick Dreier, Outside, 8 Aug. 2025
Viewers were able to see the two skittish dogs hesitantly stepping into their new life, gradually warming to the unfamiliar setting.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 July 2025
Although the overall unemployment rate is just 4.1%, few people are quitting jobs today, and employers are skittish about hiring.
—Scott Horsley, NPR, 13 July 2025
Usually, Loncar said, the owls in her backyard are skittish, but this owlet was slow.
—Austin Corona, AZCentral.com, 6 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for skittish
Frederick Dreier, Outside, 8 Aug. 2025
Viewers were able to see the two skittish dogs hesitantly stepping into their new life, gradually warming to the unfamiliar setting.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 July 2025
Although the overall unemployment rate is just 4.1%, few people are quitting jobs today, and employers are skittish about hiring.
—Scott Horsley, NPR, 13 July 2025
Usually, Loncar said, the owls in her backyard are skittish, but this owlet was slow.
—Austin Corona, AZCentral.com, 6 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for skittish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skittish
Adjective
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For example, knowing that excitable dogs might overreact to moving images can inform desensitization approaches.—
Jenny Lehmann,
Discover Magazine,
17 July 2025
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Willie Garson brought ample laughs in Freaky Friday as Evan, an excitable patient of Curtis' Tess.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
9 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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This isn’t a timid little girl walking into a wedding night with Joffrey.—
Zack Sharf,
Variety,
25 Aug. 2025
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In many ways, this was pretty much the ideal day after the timid 1-0 defeat to promoted Leeds United on Monday.—
Patrick Boyland,
New York Times,
24 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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CEOs who recognize the strategic importance of cybersecurity will not only protect their organizations from financial and reputational damage but also gain a competitive edge in an increasingly volatile digital landscape.—
Francis Dinha,
Forbes.com,
27 Aug. 2025
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Nationally, the president’s tariffs have been accompanied by the highest egg prices the country has ever seen and a volatile stock market captive to erratic moves such as firing government statisticians.—
Lluvia Gaucin,
IndyStar,
26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Faced with punishment from school administrators, Westman appeared alternately nervous and nonchalant, the former employee said.—
Tim Stelloh,
NBC news,
29 Aug. 2025
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While most dogs don’t love pills, all dogs love a tasty treat, making these calming hemp chews an excellent choice for your nervous pup.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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When employees are fearful of their leaders, progress is delayed or halted altogether.—
Dr. Cynthia J. Young,
Forbes.com,
29 Aug. 2025
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Even if kids are anxious or fearful, there's a benefit to going to school and maintaining daily activities.—
Allison Aubrey,
NPR,
29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Enjoy the unpredictable and the unknown, which is where wonder and curiosity and adventure unfold.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
20 Aug. 2025
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While some travelers visit family or business contacts, U.S. officials warn that conditions remain unpredictable and dangerous.—
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Skittish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skittish. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.
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