1
as in panic
a state of nervous or irritated concern
Grandma usually gets in a dither if I don't make my weekly call
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in butterflies
a sense of panic or extreme nervousness
we were all in a dither while we waited for the test results
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to hesitate
to show uncertainty about the right course of action
we dithered all afternoon over whether to go to the park or to the movies and ended up doing neither
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of dither
Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025
In Diane Keaton’s dithers is all the strength of American women.
—Hayley Maitland, Vogue, 5 Jan. 2025
Beren Cross, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
After a decade of dithering by state leaders, voters forced change last November with their landslide approval of Proposition 36, which reversed parts of Proposition 47 and made some theft and drug crimes felonies once more.
—U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dither
Noun
His reluctance, according to a report Thursday by the Red Sox news site BoSox Injection, could open the door for another team to beat the Red Sox to the punch and sign Guerrero while Boston dithers over the size of his contract.
—Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025
In Diane Keaton’s dithers is all the strength of American women.
—Hayley Maitland, Vogue, 5 Jan. 2025
Verb
Ao Tanaka should not have dithered and conceded the second set-piece so late into injury time, while the backline should have been more alert to the second ball.
—Beren Cross, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
After a decade of dithering by state leaders, voters forced change last November with their landslide approval of Proposition 36, which reversed parts of Proposition 47 and made some theft and drug crimes felonies once more.
—U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dither
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dither
Noun
-
Witnesses described scenes of panic as flames spread rapidly through the basement level before engulfing the upper floor.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Kaitlin spent the first weeks of her newborn son’s life in a panic.—
Lucas Waldron,
ProPublica,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Don’t hesitate to approach the pens and ask questions.—
Sara Hansen,
Denver Post,
23 Jan. 2026
-
After 9/11, Denmark did not hesitate.—
Barbara Sprunt,
NPR,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Not to mention, this bouncy style can take you from day to night without any fuss.—
Krista Carter,
InStyle,
27 Jan. 2026
-
The Hurricanes, and their fans, will get to see firsthand what all the fuss is about.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
If left untreated, frostbite can damage tendons, muscles, nerves and bone.—
Marina Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
22 Jan. 2026
-
The Patriots eventually overcame their nerves, and the taller Tritons, with a strong third quarter to collect a 59-43 victory and maintain their grip on first place.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The film falters, however, once something resembling an actual plot kicks in.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
24 Jan. 2026
-
However, as the world reopened and gyms returned to normal operations, Peloton’s growth engines began to falter.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
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As much as Payton bristles about media storylines and huffs about tempo questions, the Broncos went 25 minutes without a first down against Las Vegas.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
22 Nov. 2025
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After 36 minutes of cagey huff-and-puff, Arsenal’s clean-sheet record was spoiled again in game nine of their run, though, as in 1903, their undefeatedness in that stretch was to remain intact.—
Michael Walker,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Shake off the winter shivers, Boise.—
Michael Deeds,
Idaho Statesman,
22 Jan. 2026
-
Every year, homes are affected as the early shivers give way to the bitter cold of January and February.—
Connie Etemadi,
Freep.com,
17 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Instead of relying on heat, modern detergents use enzymes that break down common stains such as sweat, food and oils.—
Ascend Agency,
New York Daily News,
23 Jan. 2026
-
Thirdlove’s TempSync Active collection features antimicrobial fabric that’s infused with natural minerals to help manage sweat and regulate one’s body temperature.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Sourcing Journal,
22 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dither.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dither. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
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