as in anxiety
a state of nervousness marked by sudden jerky movements
because of the horse's skittishness and temperamental nature, only experienced riders should ride him
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Recent Examples of skittishness
If Monday’s recovery can shake off the skittishness felt during Friday’s rough market reversal .
—
John Melloy, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2025
Lewis says his skittishness stems from a fear that competitors will copy Darrow’s model, and from sensitivity around ethical rules about sharing attorneys’ fees with non-lawyers.
—Jeff Kauflin, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Others think the frugality signals economic skittishness.
—Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 11 Aug. 2025
Allen hosting Black celebrities like Diahann Carroll despite network skittishness.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 7 Aug. 2025
John Melloy, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2025
Lewis says his skittishness stems from a fear that competitors will copy Darrow’s model, and from sensitivity around ethical rules about sharing attorneys’ fees with non-lawyers.
—Jeff Kauflin, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Others think the frugality signals economic skittishness.
—Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 11 Aug. 2025
Allen hosting Black celebrities like Diahann Carroll despite network skittishness.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 7 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skittishness
Noun
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Other benefits of acupuncture were pain intensity reduction, an improvement of physical functions, and fewer anxiety symptoms.—
Ashley J. DiMella,
FOXNews.com,
4 Oct. 2025
-
The stress among the friend group about their costume theme is giving me more anxiety than a haunted hayride.—
Melissa Willets,
Parents,
4 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
What is the worry for governments and what is the worry for ordinary civilians?—
Jordan King,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Sep. 2025
-
Fresh data revealed jobless claims far under expectations — suggesting layoffs remain limited and the labor market is holding firm despite Fed worries.—
Benzinga,
Freep.com,
27 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Though when that context is Newcastle’s longer-term top-flight form, then a general feeling of unease is becoming justified.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
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Despite a growing sense of unease, museum leaders across the country have largely remained silent.—
Jacqui Palumbo,
CNN Money,
28 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Williams also underwent blood tests and electrophysiological testing to measure the electrical activity of his nerves and muscles, as well as physical testing once a month.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Clear info calms the nerves and gets people ready to party.—
Elle Chan,
Rolling Stone,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
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That transaction came amid mounting tension between Angel City’s founding lead investor, Alexis Ohanian, and the team’s three co-founders, Julie Uhrman, Kara Nortman and Natalie Portman.—
Scott Soshnick,
Sportico.com,
29 Sep. 2025
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First serving as deputy prime minister before becoming prime minister in 2014, Vučić won plaudits for seeking to resolve long-standing tensions over Kosovo’s status as a sovereign country.—
Hanna Begić,
The Conversation,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
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What these pants add to the look is a bit of edginess.—
Robyn Mowatt,
Essence,
8 Aug. 2025
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The shoe manages to feed her overall look’s edginess, while infusing a valuable touch of color, just like her shirt of choice.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
4 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Skittishness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skittishness. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
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