as in to scurry
to move quickly and lightly along a surface
Dry leaves skittered over the sidewalk. Mice skittered across the floor.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of skitter
While massive dinosaurs stomped around during the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, these little creatures were skittering around under their feet.
—
Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 July 2025
However, a player from each team had faced off, the linesman dropped the puck, it then got deflected by Abbotsford and skittered back into the goal.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 14 June 2025
In an early scene, he is set upon by a shrieking, skittering swarm of creepers—imagine giant, whitish pill bugs with huge mandibles—and expects to be devoured (and resurrected) within seconds.
—Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 28 Feb. 2025
There’s nothing animatronic about the crabs skittering in the turquoise surf on the southeastern tip of Eleuthera in the Bahamas.
—Mark Gauert, Sun Sentinel, 20 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for skitter
Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 July 2025
However, a player from each team had faced off, the linesman dropped the puck, it then got deflected by Abbotsford and skittered back into the goal.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 14 June 2025
In an early scene, he is set upon by a shrieking, skittering swarm of creepers—imagine giant, whitish pill bugs with huge mandibles—and expects to be devoured (and resurrected) within seconds.
—Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 28 Feb. 2025
There’s nothing animatronic about the crabs skittering in the turquoise surf on the southeastern tip of Eleuthera in the Bahamas.
—Mark Gauert, Sun Sentinel, 20 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for skitter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skitter
Verb
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There were quick glimpses of a Monty Mole burrowing underground, Cheep Cheeps swimming in a stream and Toads scurrying around the castle.—
Jordan Moreau,
Variety,
12 Sep. 2025
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The older dog is shown marching along, while the puppy scurries along, attempting to match its pace.—
Soo Kim,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Three flies darted around near the back door.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
5 Sep. 2025
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And Bryce Harper made a play on a bunt, darting into the infield and throwing the ball to Alec Bohm at third for a force-out to keep runners on first and second.—
Charlotte Varnes,
New York Times,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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At a time when most goalies were under 6 feet, Dryden was a towering 6-foot-4, 205 pounds, but still had nimble feet to dance around the net and kick pucks into the corners.—
Jesse Granger,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
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Once a month, guests come together to dance under the night sky at its legendary full moon parties.—
Teaghan Skulszki,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Expect flocks of vibrant flamingos and tiny flitting hummingbirds spreading their wings over the turquoise waters and tangles of mangroves that unfold across lagoons that stretch parallel to the sea.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Sep. 2025
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To a different namesake, all this flitting indecision might seem like disrespect.—
Jason O'Bryan,
Robb Report,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
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From November to March, the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve transforms into a vibrant, fluttering kingdom.—
Gaby Keiderling,
Robb Report,
4 Sep. 2025
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Their tops and Tate’s hair fluttered in the breeze of a wind machine absurdly cranked up to Stage 4 hurricane levels.—
Rob Sheffield,
Rolling Stone,
4 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Skitter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skitter. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
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