1
as in excitable
easily excited by nature
the skittish colt leapt up when we approached
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 skittish
And, a gamble for any book publisher skittish about the fine ornamental lines disappearing when reduced to postage stamp size online.
—
Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 11 Dec. 2025
The females tend to be more skittish by nature but hormones drive that.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2025
Despite a somewhat skittish run during the government shutdown and the days since the impasse was settled, the S & P 500 has soared 14% in 2025.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 17 Nov. 2025
Boxes can also provide a skittish cat with a safe place to hide when their environment changes.
—Rj MacKenzie, Popular Science, 12 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for skittish
Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 11 Dec. 2025
The females tend to be more skittish by nature but hormones drive that.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2025
Despite a somewhat skittish run during the government shutdown and the days since the impasse was settled, the S & P 500 has soared 14% in 2025.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 17 Nov. 2025
Boxes can also provide a skittish cat with a safe place to hide when their environment changes.
—Rj MacKenzie, Popular Science, 12 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for skittish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skittish
Adjective
-
And while her personality — playful, curious, excitable — certainly comes through, these calls are dominated by interruptions.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Even though this is a super chill and calm Full Moon, the energy can be excitable and erratic for most of us, due to the proximity of the Moon to the Earth.—
Lisa Stardust,
Refinery29,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
This means the country’s appetite for bold exploration, which the compact between science and government supported for decades, may be gone, too—leaving in its place more timid, short-term thinking.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
30 Dec. 2025
-
So that Indiana politicians could grow timid.—
Katie Wiseman,
IndyStar,
12 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
Key's Jerry is a disruption through and through, knocking everything just a little off-kilter with each volatile appearance.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Paul Weller is still a godlike figure, but the Jam themselves had a really distinct chemistry and sounded very volatile onstage and are among the great punk groups.—
Devon Ivie,
Vulture,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
From a portable power bank to keep your phone charged to noise-canceling headphones that will drown out stressful sounds, these travel accessories will help nervous fliers and frequent travelers alike have easier journeys.—
Alesandra Dubin,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Jan. 2026
-
But now there's a new robo-tech in town, and my Roadie 3 is looking very nervous indeed.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Austin immigration advocates have argued that similar changes in Austin, and a lack of clarification from the police department on its policy, sends a message that contact with officers — even as a victim or witness — carries unpredictable risks for immigrant families.—
Emiliano Tahui Gómez,
Austin American Statesman,
10 Jan. 2026
-
The occurrence of abdominal pain is often unpredictable and can change over time.—
Pamela Assid Woughter,
Verywell Health,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Skittish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skittish. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share