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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 skittishness
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
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
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
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
-
The attendees—thirty- and forty-somethings who are members of the bank’s Private Wealth Management (PWM) division, which boasts an average account size of over $75 million—gathered to hash out their anxiety and excitement.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Barton will have to wait another month to receive his sentence for the six guilty counts the jury returned on charges of sending a grossly offensive electronic communication with intent to cause distress or anxiety to football broadcasters Eni Aluko and Lucy Ward, and TV and radio host Jeremy Vine.—
Greg O'Keeffe,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Meanwhile Syria remains scarred by years of conflict and nationals in Germany are looking on at the debate with mounting worry.—
Sophie Tanno,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Leaders at big carmakers spelled out their worries in the latest round of earnings calls, saying that finding a replacement for Nexperia at scale in the short term will be difficult.—
Boston Herald Wire Services,
Boston Herald,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Mia Goth’s dual roles add another layer of unease.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
5 Jan. 2026
-
Political turmoil added to unease up North.—
Stephanie Hughes,
Fortune,
31 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
His jumpiness in the pocket, decision-making and lack of deep passes are a cause for concern, potentially.—
Chase Gemes,
Kansas City Star,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The disease damages the protective covering around nerves in the central nervous system, leading to symptoms like muscle weakness, numbness, vision changes and mobility issues.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
8 Nov. 2025
-
This can result in damage to the spinal cord and nerves.—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
For some, the jolt can lead to jitteriness, anxiety, or even disrupted sleep.—
Mira Miller,
Verywell Health,
23 Oct. 2025
-
Asthma treatments Some asthma medications open airways by relaxing muscles, but their side effects include jitteriness and restlessness, which are similar to caffeine’s.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
5 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Savard wasn’t solely to blame for the woes of the power play before that, but his dismissal seemed to release some tension.—
Jonas Siegel,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Intraparty tensions among Republicans have been evident, with a number of prominent lawmakers announcing plans to retire.—
Alicia Diaz,
Fortune,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
To generate relevancy and influence, social-media algorithms demand spectacle, conflict, and edginess.—
Ali Breland,
The Atlantic,
23 Dec. 2025
-
The raw hem adds a touch of edginess that’ll spice up even a pair of white sneakers.—
Rylee Johnston,
PEOPLE,
14 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Skittishness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skittishness. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share