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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of dither
Joshua Rothman, The New Yorker, 31 Dec. 2024
Meanwhile, as Biden dithers, GOP nominee Donald Trump is widening his lead both nationally and in all of the battleground states.
—Paul Bedard, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 20 July 2024
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025
In 2025, my hope for the world is that governments and institutions will finally stop dithering and focus on solutions that deliver the best returns.
—George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for dither
Noun
Hamlet, famously, vows revenge on his uncle, Claudius, for the murder of his father—but then he dithers, delays, and generally goes crazy, only killing Claudius at the very end of Shakespeare’s longest play.
—Joshua Rothman, The New Yorker, 31 Dec. 2024
Meanwhile, as Biden dithers, GOP nominee Donald Trump is widening his lead both nationally and in all of the battleground states.
—Paul Bedard, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 20 July 2024
Verb
This dithering isn’t helping anyone.
—Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025
In 2025, my hope for the world is that governments and institutions will finally stop dithering and focus on solutions that deliver the best returns.
—George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for dither
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dither
Noun
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Advocacy organizations that defend immigrant rights such as the Rural & Migrant Ministry and the Finger Lakes Rapid Response Network have held workshops to teach immigrants about their legal rights and to discourage them from spreading panic with unverified reports.—
Ana Ley,
New York Times,
30 May 2025
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Remove some anxiety by preparing a hurricane kit of essentials now so you aren’t huddled in a soul-crushing line of fellow panic buyers at the supermarkets when the next storm watch and warning arrives.—
Howard Cohen,
Miami Herald,
29 May 2025
Verb
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Those that hesitate to modernize risk becoming less competitive in today’s fast-moving market.—
John Bruno,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
-
As Mars slips into your 12th house on June 17, your energy turns inward, so don’t hesitate to take a step back to rest, recharge and take a break from the social scene.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
1 June 2025
Noun
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The clip shows the dog making a bee line for his favorite worker and receiving plenty of fuss.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 May 2025
-
The next day there was a lot of fuss in the newspapers.—
Ben Morse,
CNN Money,
23 May 2025
Verb
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But after a flagrant foul by Clark against Reese on Saturday, all the prior talk from each athlete about a lack of a rivalry seemed to falter.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
28 May 2025
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If trade negotiations falter, these tariffs could take effect, potentially igniting a trade war and unsettling global markets.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
Noun
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The chute opens, and rambunctious No. 2 bursts out with an impatient huff.—
Phillip Valys,
Sun Sentinel,
15 Mar. 2025
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Volunteers were charged around 25 cents per huff, bringing in good profit for those who’d invested in the necessary gas tanks, tubes, and breathing bags.—
Oshan Jarow,
Vox,
7 Dec. 2018
Noun
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Your mental and physical health, along with your routines and responsibilities could all be thrown into a tizzy.—
Kyle Thomas,
People.com,
11 May 2025
-
The interview aftermath sent social media into a tizzy, prompting memes and headlines in reaction to the viral moment.—
Skyler Caruso,
People.com,
1 May 2025
Noun
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The sheets proved breathable and effectively absorbed sweat in the summer months.—
Melanie Fincher,
Southern Living,
29 May 2025
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However, guests can work up a sweat in the bright gym, open 24/7.—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
28 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dither.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dither. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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