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
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
Others think the frugality signals economic skittishness.
—Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 11 Aug. 2025
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
Others think the frugality signals economic skittishness.
—Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 11 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skittishness
Noun
-
The next, everyone is discussing climate anxiety among urban houseplants.—
Larry Clifton,
The Orlando Sentinel,
3 May 2026
-
Typically found at gas stations and smoke shops, kratom and its synthetic version, known as 7-Hydroxymitragynine or 7-OH, have been marketed as an over-the-counter aid for pain, anxiety and drug dependence.—
Matthew Rodriguez,
CBS News,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
At the macro scale of society, loss of control seems like a legitimate reason for worry.—
Gideon Lewis-Kraus,
New Yorker,
7 May 2026
-
Their worry is that investors are treating this economic moment — physical supply disruptions, geopolitical fracturing, tariff whiplash — like the liquidity crises of the past, which were solvable with government cash.—
Rachel Keidan,
semafor.com,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
Meloni, weakened by a recent referendum defeat and facing public unease over the conflict, has insisted that any use of Italian bases for offensive operations would require parliamentary backing.—
Giada Zampano,
Los Angeles Times,
8 May 2026
-
Brent was trading above $100 a barrel on Friday, while shipping and insurance markets continue signaling deep unease despite periodic ceasefire headlines.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
8 May 2026
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
Noun
-
Sabres coach Lindy Ruff theorized that there were more distractions at home and possibly more nerves trying to give the home crowd its money’s worth.—
Matthew Fairburn,
New York Times,
7 May 2026
-
Tremors happen when nerves aren’t properly communicating with certain muscles.—
Patrick Whittle,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
The caffeinated formula adds natural caffeine from green coffee bean extract — typically around 150 mg per serving — along with L-theanine, included to smooth out jitteriness.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
6 May 2026
-
However, stick to one cup of moderately strong coffee or lower-strength caffeine (not more than 100 milligrams) to avoid jitteriness and other side effects.—
Emmanuella Ogbonna,
Health,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In the meantime, tensions remain high off the Iranian coast after the two sides exchanged fire May 7.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
9 May 2026
-
Later, the Moon squares the Sun and could expose tension between private needs and outside expectations.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 2026
Noun
-
Alvarado is only 6-foot, but the five-year NBA veteran finds ways to overcome his undersized stature with energy, edginess and IQ.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
30 Apr. 2026
-
This wood vanity brings an edginess to your bathroom decor.—
Kate McGregor,
Architectural Digest,
21 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Skittishness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skittishness. Accessed 9 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
