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
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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
PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2025
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
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
Either technology can show an assortment of issues like banding and dithering patterns in fills, which vary from printer to printer and can even vary from one quality setting to another with the same printer.
—PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for dither
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dither
Noun
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Back in the car, Albert moans and groans while Billie shrieks in panic.—
Jordan Hoffman,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 Feb. 2026
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Videos circulating on social media showed plumes of smoke billowing over the tourist city of Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco, and people sprinting through the airport of the state’s capital in panic.—
Fabiola Sanchez,
The Orlando Sentinel,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts did not hesitate when asked about his expectations for Mookie Betts.—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
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Many users hesitate to upload ID scans or biometric selfies to access gaming servers or community groups.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Think of them as practical airport shoes that cause little to no fuss.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Feb. 2026
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That transformation was inspired by marquee events with Southern giants like Bragg, Fannie Flagg, and Pat Conroy, events so well attended that Reiss wondered what all the fuss was about.—
Casey Cep,
New Yorker,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
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But analysts and portfolio managers say investors shouldn’t give in to these nerves just yet, pointing instead to shifts in the markets that could create new opportunities.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
27 Feb. 2026
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Nvidia’s stock rose Wednesday in anticipation of a strong report; asset managers noted that the market’s response is unpredictable given investors’ nerves.—
J.D. Capelouto,
semafor.com,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
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But when their friendship falters, Minnie is forced to navigate her own identity.—
Teresa Xie,
NPR,
20 Feb. 2026
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Mizzou was successful early but faltered late before hanging on.—
Joseph Pastilha,
Kansas City Star,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Among agonized grunts and huffs, Probst narrated the fumbles.—
Sarah Grant,
New Yorker,
2 Feb. 2026
-
David walks out of the kitchen and Moira huffs and takes his spot over the pot.—
Sabrina Weiss,
PEOPLE,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Algebra in between scenes… sends shivers down my spine!—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
14 Feb. 2026
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Their accounts gave me shivers of recognition—their experiences echoed my father’s stories.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Socks and Leg Warmers Winter socks and leg warmers tend to trap sweat, dead skin cells, and moisture.—
Nafeesah Allen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 Feb. 2026
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Our Top Picks Alo is our go-to for fashionable, functional pieces that are perfect for travel days, workouts, and lounging around, thanks to their soft and often sweat-wicking fabrics.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dither.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dither. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.
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