panicky

adjective

Definition of panickynext
as in panicked

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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 panicky The vice president was panicky, the authors wrote. — Maureen Dowd, Mercury News, 18 June 2026 In the mid-2010s, when every other norm of civility was beginning to fall apart, Jeopardy strategy became a panicky knife fight for the Doubles, the most powerful clues on the board. — Drew Goins, The Atlantic, 19 May 2026 The redemption requests at Blue Owl included some large institutions and wasn’t just limited to panicky retail investors, this person said. — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 2 Apr. 2026 Most descriptions conclude that Obama used this quirky exchange to overrule his panicky advisors and run full steam ahead on health reform. — Literary Hub, 23 Mar. 2026 Diving supplies, stratospheric prices, and rules and regs for who could buy how much gas and when sent Americans into panicky buying habits. — Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026 Avoid jerky or panicky movements, and don’t wave for help — movement may attract the drone. — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 12 Mar. 2026 Then her daughter’s voice grew panicky. — Sarah Hepola, Dallas Morning News, 18 Feb. 2026 As top-tier sports continue to flee pay-TV like so many panicky horses hoofing their way out of a burning stable, the WNBA is nosing around for oats among the haybales as the sparks fly skyward. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for panicky
  1. panicked
  2. worried
  3. upset
  4. apprehensive
  5. nervous
  6. frightened
  7. anxious
  8. jittery
Adjective
  • Dramatic photos taken from the scene show a firefighter on a tower ladder plucking a panicked child from a fire escape.
    — Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 2026
  • His pets were accused of the unneighborly habit of loosing themselves upon suburban streets, prompting panicked phone calls and unnecessary police raids.
    — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of panicked
Adjective
  • But Russian ballistic missiles appear to be the threat that has Ukrainian’s leadership most worried.
    — Nathan Hodge, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
  • As students head back to school across Georgia, some parents are worried about more than academics.
    — Brian Unger, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of worried
Adjective
  • The Braves opted against parting with their most valuable prospects at the trade deadline, a decision that’s upset part of the fanbase and many around the organization but will require time to judge.
    — Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • It’s considered the biggest upset in the history of the tournament.
    — PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of upset
Adjective
  • However, Khramov is still a bit apprehensive bringing in her cello since every instrument Yupia plays leaves markings and gets damaged more quickly.
    — Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Local voters have proven to be apprehensive about backing tax measures, according to June 2 election results.
    — Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 23 July 2026
Definition of apprehensive
Adjective
  • Because people are nervous that Tesla’s robotaxi is going to completely take over the autonomous-vehicle market and mobility overall.
    — Fortune Editors, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026
  • For anyone nervous about bringing up price, Bascombe says preparation is the best confidence booster.
    — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of nervous
Adjective
  • Perreault-Magny said frightened and flustered migrants sometimes try to climb into his unmarked patrol pickup, mistaking it for a smuggler coming to collect them.
    — Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 29 July 2026
  • Meanwhile, the people standing beside the robot look frightened.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of frightened
Adjective
  • The advice comes as pet parents become increasingly anxious about leaving their furry family members behind.
    — Brittany Anas, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • All available polling data indicates that the public mood in Russia is growing more uncertain and anxious.
    — Alexander Gabuev, Foreign Affairs, 31 July 2026
Definition of anxious
Adjective
  • Chef—the character is nameless, and seemingly unknowable—is a mentor and a foil to Tony, his lined face and graying beard highlighting Tony’s youth, his composure framing Tony’s jittery ambition.
    — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Holland’s jittery, earnest, winsome take on the iconic 64-year-old comic iconic was instantly likable, radiating teen-geek charisma.
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2026
Definition of jittery

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Cite this Entry

“Panicky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/panicky. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of panicky for Spanish Speakers

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