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
That’s the trick in retail anyway — and one that requires finesse in good times and real skill in tough ones, like now when consumers are skittish and President Donald Trump’s trade war is still disrupting supply.
—
Evan Clark, Footwear News, 7 July 2025
Despite being married to a therapist, Josh is rather myopic about his own emotional well-being and Foster telegraphs that disconnect with a softened tone of voice and a skittish kind of physicality.
—Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 9 May 2025
Maybe there’s a skittish four-legged friend in residence.
—Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 3 July 2025
In nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cataloochee Creek flows through a picturesque valley and is filled with skittish wild brookies.
—Robert Annis, Outside Online, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for skittish
Evan Clark, Footwear News, 7 July 2025
Despite being married to a therapist, Josh is rather myopic about his own emotional well-being and Foster telegraphs that disconnect with a softened tone of voice and a skittish kind of physicality.
—Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 9 May 2025
Maybe there’s a skittish four-legged friend in residence.
—Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 3 July 2025
In nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cataloochee Creek flows through a picturesque valley and is filled with skittish wild brookies.
—Robert Annis, Outside Online, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for skittish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skittish
Adjective
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Willie Garson brought ample laughs in Freaky Friday as Evan, an excitable patient of Curtis' Tess.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
9 Aug. 2025
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In the emotionally complex role of Bert, Jonathan West gives a winning turn that’s all heart – just like a Golden – and makes a great team with Jamie Elvey’s excitable but pragmatic Trixie.—
Duante Beddingfield,
Freep.com,
30 July 2025
Adjective
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Arab governments that for decades have been fierce advocates for the Palestinian cause are now facing criticism for their timid response to the extreme suffering in Gaza caused by Israel's war, risking a dangerous rift with their increasingly restive citizens.—
Mo Abbas,
NBC news,
13 Aug. 2025
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Known for its timid and gentle nature, the snake is semiaquatic and nocturnal, feeding on earthworms in captivity.—
Real-Time News team,
Miami Herald,
8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Not too happy about the volatile nature of PLTR stock?—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
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Broadening market As the S & P 500 and Nasdaq hit fresh records again on Wednesday, there is a simultaneous broadening and a move into more volatile parts of the market by investors.—
Frank Holland,
CNBC,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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But as Trump appears to ignore court decisions and high-level administration officials are suggesting suspending the writ of habeas corpus, Bolick is nervous the United States is heading toward authoritarianism.—
Amanda Luberto,
AZCentral.com,
13 Aug. 2025
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Students, meanwhile, often get nervous about asking for clarification or diving deeper into a topic in front of their peers.—
Shelbie Witte,
The Conversation,
12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Overwhelmed and fearful of her future, Milena disappears.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
4 Aug. 2025
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Guerrero kept his concerns about Mejia quiet for a time, fearful he could be fired from his job or even prosecuted.—
Bianca Moreno-Paz,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
Adjective
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The best time for aurora spotting is 2 am, when the sky is likely to be the darkest, but since the arrival of the solar storm is unpredictable, it's recommended to look throughout the night for the event.—
Staff Author,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Aug. 2025
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Anyone who has traveled by plane has at least experienced one unpredictable and inconvenient delay or cancellation in their plans.—
Armon Sadler,
VIBE.com,
5 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Skittish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skittish. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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