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
  • Holzinger jumps into the tank, her movements inelegant and panicked, and pulls Nüganen out.
    — Lauren Oyler, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
  • Her wide eyes speak their own language of panicked blinks and observant stares.
    — Judy Berman, Time, 15 July 2026
Definition of panicked
Adjective
  • If anyone was worried about a lack of personality from SEC coaches this coming season, their fears were likely quelled during SEC Media Days this week.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 July 2026
  • Luria, however, worried about that tangle of investments which bind the AI giants to their own customers; the love triangle of Google, Amazon and Anthropic; Microsoft and OpenAI, Nvidia and CoreWeave.
    — Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 23 July 2026
Definition of worried
Adjective
  • Then Greyson mentions that things at school aren’t great and the kids are mean to him, and Jenn gets even more upset.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 24 July 2026
  • But even taken at face value, many appear upset at the disregard of rest.
    — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 23 July 2026
Definition of upset
Adjective
  • Local voters have proven to be apprehensive about backing tax measures, according to June 2 election results.
    — Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 23 July 2026
  • The Mets have been apprehensive to deal Baty for many reasons.
    — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 17 July 2026
Definition of apprehensive
Adjective
  • And investors are increasingly nervous about when and whether the mind-boggling sums being spent by Big Tech on data centers will ever generate returns.
    — Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 23 July 2026
  • This can reduce uncertainty for patients who are nervous about traveling abroad.
    — Nia Bowers, USA Today, 22 July 2026
Definition of nervous
Adjective
  • Perel compares the moment facing today’s executives to the one facing a parent with a frightened child.
    — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 17 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of frightened
Adjective
  • Meditation, deep breathing, physical exercise or something as simple as doing laundry can interrupt the cycle of anxious searching.
    — Rachel Hale, USA Today, 19 July 2026
  • Students are less anxious about money, less overwhelmed; their physical and mental health has improved.
    — Jay A. Perman, Baltimore Sun, 18 July 2026
Definition of anxious
Adjective
  • The most egregious case is Sturgis’ Ru, who transforms over the course of the play from a jittery wreck into a vengeful, plaintive monster.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026
  • On Wednesday, jittery neighbors said the near disaster is definitely keeping them on edge.
    — Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 8 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 24 Jul. 2026.

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