SKITTISHNESS Synonyms: 59 Similar and Opposite Words

skittishness

noun

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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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 skittishness Was that skittishness behind Hollywood’s absence from Cannes this year? — Guy Lodge, Variety, 26 May 2026 Now, with early voting for the March 3 primary set to start next week, the mudslinging in both races is expected to soar, according to insiders with both parties watching with skittishness from Texas and Washington. — Philip Elliott, Time, 10 Feb. 2026 The skittishness with tech stocks subsided on Friday, with shares of Nvidia and Microsoft going up, as did the price of Bitcoin. — Carlos Garcia, Fortune, 6 Feb. 2026 Analysts and former diplomats told CNN that successive British governments have failed to strike the correct balance on China, resulting in a policy characterized by mistrust, skittishness and incoherence. — Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026 But their skittishness and brutality are qualities associated with fear, not resolve. — Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2026 Her singular blend of severity and skittishness is unrivalled in the poetry of her peers. — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for skittishness

Noun

His instinctive reaction, tearful after losing another final, was to throw in the towel, to announce his career with Argentina was over at the age of 29, to focus on his club career, which by comparison brought him so much joy and so little anxiety.

— Oliver Kay, New York Times, 19 July 2026
Because of their history of poor sleep, people with insomnia may suffer from anxiety about getting inadequate sleep, which can then increase sleeplessness at night.

— Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 18, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 July 2026

Definition of anxiety

Noun

After two years living in an RV at San Jose’s Columbus Park, Fernando Vilchis Alcantara eagerly accepted a spot at a motel the city converted into a homeless shelter, relieved to be free of the constant worry of being ticketed or towed.

— Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 23 July 2026
They’re not allowed to print money, so our worries shift from the asset class itself to the specifics of the issuer.

— Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Definition of worry

Noun

The Leeds quartet built a reputation on sardonic observations about modern life, packaging political unease inside wiry post-punk.

— Sophie Miller, Rolling Stone, 19 July 2026
This, combined with the sheer horror of many of the crimes committed against the Bowdens, generates a tension in the viewer that makes the unease a young Antosca felt watching the 1962 film feel tame by comparison.

— Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 17 July 2026

Definition of unease

Noun

Market jumpiness can serve as a good moment for those nearing the end of their career to make sure their nest egg is prepared for a downturn, Benz said.

— Annie Nova,Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 5 Mar. 2026
Conference Board economist Dana Peterson noted these state indexes have a history of statistical jumpiness.

— Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 30 Dec. 2025

Definition of jumpiness

Noun

And while Argentina’s culture of talk therapy may turn psychic suffering into words on the therapist’s couch, fans may be reassured that the pros are trained to translate their nerves into strategy on the pitch.

— Caitlin Stephen Hu, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
Mitochondria supply the raw materials for creating the neurotransmitters glutamate and acetylcholine, which manage our brain, nerves, and muscles.

— Rachel Nuwer, Quanta Magazine, 17 July 2026

Definition of nerves

Noun

Key Takeaways Most vitamins do not directly cause jitteriness, but certain supplements can make people feel shaky, restless, or overstimulated.

— Sara Hoffman, Verywell Health, 29 June 2026
The constant movement might make some audience members dizzy, yet its jitteriness signifies the anxiety and unease of the characters, both in their skin and with each other.

— Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 25 May 2026

Definition of jitteriness

Noun

Once their ships turned away, the tension dramatically decreased, though hours later China Coast Guard ships could be seen in the distance still shadowing the Philippine vessels.

— Ivan Watson, CNN Money, 24 July 2026
Eventually, Armstrong stepped in to try and personally ease tensions, offering himself as Caneer’s direct point of contact and paying a peace visit to Caneer’s home in Pebble Beach bearing a gift basket of beef jerky, olive oil and wine.

— Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 23 July 2026

Definition of tension

Noun

And for the 2026 ESPYs, her hairstylist, Anh Co Tran, made sure her hair remained inspo-pic-worthy, sweeping it into an intentionally imperfect updo that managed to balance elegance and edginess—just like the figure skater herself.

— Marci Robin, Allure, 16 July 2026
While summer whites tend to feel beachy or formal, a pair of white sneakers adds a bit of fashion-forward edginess.

— Amber Rambharose, InStyle, 18 June 2026

Definition of edginess

Browse Nearby Words

skittishly

skittishness

skive

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“Skittishness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skittishness. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of skittishness

noun

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