flightiness

noun

Definition of flightinessnext
1
as in lightness
a lack of seriousness often at an improper time a warning that her usual flightiness wouldn't be tolerated at the ceremony honoring war veterans

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in anxiety
a state of nervousness marked by sudden jerky movements his flightiness before the bar exam was so bad that he nearly made himself sick

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 flightiness Initially her art doesn’t factor in much to the novel, except as a shorthand for her flightiness and dreaminess, her naivety. — Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flightiness
  1. lightness
  2. anxiety
  3. cheerfulness
  4. worry
  5. glee
  6. unease
  7. silliness
  8. nerves
Noun
  • Texture takes center stage in the new drop, with plush shearling, shimmering metallics, and festive embellishments bringing a sense of lightness to the house’s signature designs.
    — Laura Jackson, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Wrapped in soft cashmere, the Cashmere Cabin is designed to mimic the feeling of stepping into an Ultralight with Cashmere piece and being enveloped in softness, lightness and ease.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of lightness
Noun
  • America in 2026 is not Nazi Germany, but events from 88 years ago still overshadow the thinking and anxiety of millions of Jews.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Advertisement Even reading this suggestion to consider being more open-minded may increase your anxiety and create tension in your body.
    — Joan M. Cook, Time, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of anxiety
Noun
  • Leaders, in particular, have the power to shift the mood of their teams, not by pretending everything is fine or manufacturing cheerfulness but through tone, body language, and small actions.
    — Harvard Business Review, Harvard Business Review, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The service Professionalism comes with genuine warmth, cheerfulness, and a sense of people absolutely loving their jobs.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of cheerfulness
Noun
  • Capital One jumped 3% after struggling last week amid worries about higher gasoline prices and credit delinquencies.
    — Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Several hacks on government infrastructure underscored growing worry over the use of AI to undermine cybersecurity.
    — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of worry
Noun
  • The universal glee of getting tacos (Silvia Razgova) Picture the moment when a taquero hands you a warm paper plate heaping with warm tortillas and meats on a street in Los Angeles.
    — Daniel Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
  • These songs are very evidently arranged, with ticklish, left-field grooves and tight pockets—never too tight for the persistent, puckish charm, the elbow-nudging glee.
    — Samuel Hyland, Pitchfork, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of glee
Noun
  • Le Pen, meanwhile, has sought to harness unease over the demonstrations.
    — David Brennan, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2026
  • California Democrats have been unable, so far, to solve homelessness or rising housing prices, Newton said, and there is unease about whether the policies that have gotten California to this point can move the state forward.
    — Jenny Jarvie Follow, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of unease
Noun
  • Mandell never let his artistic seriousness stand in the way of his silliness.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Moments of mutual support and understanding, of belly-aching laughter and silliness, of care and deep love.
    — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of silliness
Noun
  • Still, there are nerves in what's been considered a Republican stronghold.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Writing the book has been a very solitary experience—done after Viva falls asleep—and finally getting to squeeze my pals and feel less alone in it is a balm to my nerves.
    — Tarajia Morrell, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of nerves

Browse Nearby Words

flight bags
flightiness
flight path
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Cite this Entry

“Flightiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flightiness. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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