1
as in excitable
easily excited by nature
the skittish colt leapt up when we approached
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in timid
easily frightened
the cat is skittish around people she doesn't know
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in volatile
likely to change frequently, suddenly, or unexpectedly
a skittish housing market had both buyers and sellers on edge
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of skittish
The program doesn’t phase out until 2030, but investors are already skittish, said Clayton Munnings, a climate economist who leads the climate advocacy group Clean and Prosperous California.
—
Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 10 Sep. 2025
The bond markets have been skittish for a while, serving as both a check on White House fiscal policies and a warning signal that America’s economic strengths are being put to the test.
—Diane Brady, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025
Combine that with major studios presumably getting more skittish about greenlighting LGBTQ+ content, and the slate is getting thinner.
—Samantha Allen, Them., 2 Sep. 2025
Yet, some investors are only getting more skittish as the market continues to run higher.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for skittish
Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 10 Sep. 2025
The bond markets have been skittish for a while, serving as both a check on White House fiscal policies and a warning signal that America’s economic strengths are being put to the test.
—Diane Brady, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025
Combine that with major studios presumably getting more skittish about greenlighting LGBTQ+ content, and the slate is getting thinner.
—Samantha Allen, Them., 2 Sep. 2025
Yet, some investors are only getting more skittish as the market continues to run higher.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for skittish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skittish
Adjective
-
The cranky and irritating backseat driver, who bums a lift midway through the Griswolds' adventure, also has with her the easily excitable pooch Dinky.—
Jordan Hoffman,
Entertainment Weekly,
28 Sep. 2025
-
Seriesly’s own pitching competitions were well attended and brought the excitable energy that newer talent brings to proceedings.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Finally, the Gators’ timid portal strategy is deliberate, not an unwillingness to adapt.—
Matt Baker,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
-
Imagine a commissioner being called out like that directly and that timid, tepid statement.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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This potential hindrance to growth adds another layer of uncertainty to an already volatile policy outlook.—
John Melloy,
CNBC,
1 Oct. 2025
-
The remnants of a tropical storm that brought steamy rain and a volatile atmosphere to the Bay Area last week have faded, according to the National Weather Service.—
Rick Hurd,
Mercury News,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Now, Darvish will get to pitch in front of a stadium of screaming, hopeful, nervous Cubs fans.—
Jon Greenberg,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
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If presidents are stars on the stage of world history, vice presidents are nervous understudies hidden away behind the scenes.—
Book Marks
October 2,
Literary Hub,
2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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While mountain lions are highly adaptable to various ecosystems, their numbers declined historically due to being hunted by fearful humans.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
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Several days pass; the nights alone in the wilderness are especially fearful.—
Judith Thurman,
New Yorker,
29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Prepare for mood swings as the moon clashes with unpredictable Uranus.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
4 Oct. 2025
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The Roval is among the most unpredictable races on the NASCAR calendar.—
Shane Connuck
October 3,
Charlotte Observer,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Skittish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skittish. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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