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dither 1 of 2

noun

Definition of dithernext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

dither

2 of 2

verb

ˈdi-t͟hər How to pronounce dither (audio)
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 show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of dither
Noun
Viewers well versed in the ways of romantic fiction won’t be that surprised by how this little pas de quatre works out as Emile dithers and deliberates over each woman’s charms. — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026 Europe, by Shah's reckoning, has used regulation to dampen digital assets rather than enable them, while the UK once again dithers over which way to jump. — Kjartan Rist, Forbes.com, 16 June 2026
Verb
Trump dithered, then waited until the last minute to back Paxton. — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 20 May 2026 Besides, the rare earth industry is so cost-intensive that Lynas is even dithering on its new Texas facility despite the hundreds of millions secured from the Department of War. — Charlie Campbell, Time, 21 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dither
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dither
  1. panic
  2. nerves
  3. hesitate
  4. fuss
  5. shivers
  6. falter
  7. huff
  8. sweat
Noun
  • The rattle of a bride’s gold earring or the rasp of straightener steam through a bride’s hair takes on a panic-inducingly eerie quality thanks to Marie-Clotilde Chery’s chilling sound design.
    — Miriam Balanescu, IndieWire, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Plenkovic has accused his political opponents of fueling panic for political gain.
    — Darko Bandic, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of panic
Noun
  • In deep money trouble with local mob boss Abu Rabih (Haytham Chamass), Hamza is all bristly nerves, always a hair’s breadth from falling apart, and, for the other characters and the audience alike, perhaps the riskiest element of the scheme.
    — Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2026
  • That are, again, all spoken at the same time, in a manner that could grate the nerves coming from the hands of any other filmmaker, but Herzog is entirely sincere and irony-free in his handling.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of nerves
Verb
  • Many people would have hesitated before taking them on as tenants, housemates, or clients.
    — Ian Parker, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Asked whether Kraken players take rejections like Robertson’s personally, center Matty Beniers didn’t hesitate for a second.
    — Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of hesitate
Noun
  • For all the fuss the Edmonton Oilers have generated this offseason, the club will enter the 2026-27 season with a largely unchanged roster.
    — Janson Duench, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The Amalfi Coast has become something of a cliché, but this reminds you what all the fuss was about in the first place.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of fuss
Noun
  • Speaking to Julia Cunningham on her eponymous podcast, Adams says the moment when Cecile realizes her half-sister is the serial killer (while her mom was a plain ol’ one-off manslaughterer) still gives her the shivers.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 22 July 2026
  • Judith claims to be a forensic accountant, but is actually a career assassin whose very name sends shivers of fear through her enemies and ones of excitement through her admirers.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2026
Definition of shivers
Verb
  • Other elements of this team that were so strong last year also faltered, from pass protection to the tight ends to Davante Adams to the run defense and overall pass rush.
    — Matt Barrows, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Many musicians have faltered when trying to follow their first, most famous song.
    — Katie Heaney, Vulture, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of falter
Noun
  • Devers walked back to the dugout in a huff.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2026
  • Not everyone feels the same way, however, and some progressive parents and staff are in a huff.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2026
Definition of huff
Noun
  • With beads of sweat still streaking down his face, South Carolina coach Shane Beamer happily went over the checklist on his personal notepad after the Gamecocks’ 57-0 season-opening win over Kent State.
    — Christopher Kamrani, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • From loungewear essentials like yoga pants and sweats to dressier picks like long-sleeve dresses and maxi skirts, there’s something on sale for everyone.
    — Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of sweat

Browse Nearby Words

ditching
dither
dithered
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Cite this Entry

“Dither.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dither. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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