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
  • Jiang Liming, another professor at Hong Kong’s Polytechnic University, noted that pubs typically lack large glass windows and the exits may be blocked by panicked people when there’s a fire.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 July 2026
  • At least 27 people were killed when a massive fire tore through the Na Ladprao pub in northern Bangkok shortly after midnight, sending panicked patrons scrambling to escape.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026
Definition of panicked
Adjective
  • Christian is worried about Aaron’s gray jersey sportswear look because the fit will need to be perfect, and then, uh-oh, Aaron sews the bodysuit incorrectly and needs to start again.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 17 July 2026
  • The Polymarket spokesperson added that the company is worried about potential duplicative or conflicting compliance requirements that could harm innovation.
    — Ananya Chetia,Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 16 July 2026
Definition of worried
Adjective
  • After nearly losing, in what would have been a Cinderella upset, to a completely unheralded Cabo Verde, Argentina benefitted from questionable refereeing decisions in subsequent victories over Egypt and Switzerland.
    — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 16 July 2026
  • Some Carowinds visitors were upset the park did not announce the roller coaster was closed sooner.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 15 July 2026
Definition of upset
Adjective
  • Mick Jagger and Keith Richards are both apprehensive about using artificial intelligence to make music.
    — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 16 July 2026
  • Some like demoticusername were worried and even apprehensive to come to KC in the wake of shootings and England’s team equipment being stolen, but said that everything went fine.
    — Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2026
Definition of apprehensive
Adjective
  • Some nervous observers are going so far as to swear off salads and other raw fruits and vegetables until the outbreak has run its course.
    — Nikki McCann Ramirez, Rolling Stone, 16 July 2026
  • But Griffin’s recent donation to Moody is not the only indication Republicans could be more nervous about Florida than the Senate races in other bright-red states.
    — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
Definition of nervous
Adjective
  • The bear, seemingly frightened, quickly turns away from the boy and continues running, sliding under a boat parked in the driveway.
    — Mason Leib, ABC News, 7 July 2026
  • In May, a frightened horse rammed into another carriage, causing the vehicle to flip over, injuring the driver.
    — ANDREA SACHS THE WASHINGTON POST, Arkansas Online, 28 June 2026
Definition of frightened
Adjective
  • Max is accompanied on his adventures by anxious robot C-3PO AB Sitter, and FX, a magical alien masquerading as a toy who can turn the kid's implausibly impressive sand sculptures into fully functioning robots.
    — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 5 July 2026
  • America’s centennial in 1876 was celebrated with a grand exhibition that projected an image of national unity and inventiveness in the anxious aftermath of civil war and recession.
    — The New York Review of Books, The New York Review of Books, 4 July 2026
Definition of anxious
Adjective
  • On Wednesday, jittery neighbors said the near disaster is definitely keeping them on edge.
    — Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 8 July 2026
  • When Micron’s earnings report came out after markets closed on Wednesday, the story was the same as other times markets have been jittery about AI.
    — Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 25 June 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 18 Jul. 2026.

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