1
as in excitable
easily excited by nature
the skittish colt leapt up when we approached
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in timid
easily frightened
the cat is skittish around people she doesn't know
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in volatile
likely to change frequently, suddenly, or unexpectedly
a skittish housing market had both buyers and sellers on edge
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of skittish
As work on the record proceeded laboriously over the course of a year, its cryptic lyrics and decidedly non-pop orchestrations were greeted with increasing resistance from the other Beach Boys (especially the vocal Love) and skittish label executives.
—
Chris Morris, Variety, 11 June 2025
Joseph Krings’ skittish edits coupled with Will Bates’ haunting music underscore how scary a place Joe’s head can be.
—Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 6 June 2025
With no electricity and a rocky terrain, scientists have to haul their gear and other materials to the island with boats when the tides are right, making in-person observations of the skittish capuchin monkeys difficult.
—Marlowe Starling, CNN Money, 19 May 2025
Despite his skittish nature and love for screaming, Chips has a soft spot for music — especially the Game of Thrones intro, which sends him into a singing frenzy.
—Ashley Vega, People.com, 6 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for skittish
Chris Morris, Variety, 11 June 2025
Joseph Krings’ skittish edits coupled with Will Bates’ haunting music underscore how scary a place Joe’s head can be.
—Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 6 June 2025
With no electricity and a rocky terrain, scientists have to haul their gear and other materials to the island with boats when the tides are right, making in-person observations of the skittish capuchin monkeys difficult.
—Marlowe Starling, CNN Money, 19 May 2025
Despite his skittish nature and love for screaming, Chips has a soft spot for music — especially the Game of Thrones intro, which sends him into a singing frenzy.
—Ashley Vega, People.com, 6 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for skittish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skittish
Adjective
-
Contreras, the excitable ex-Cub, took exception and barked at Palencia.—
Patrick Mooney,
New York Times,
8 July 2025
-
Audiences at Berlin shows have tended toward enthusiastic influencers, brand fans and excitable fashion students.—
Cathrin Schaer,
Footwear News,
6 July 2025
Adjective
-
Although timid at first, Sarah has now let her personality shine.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 July 2025
-
Putin played the timid souls of these make-America-weak policymakers like a violin.—
Steve Forbes,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
Adjective
-
But David’s volatile behavior, which includes smashing a glass coffee table to pieces in front of the other children, quickly turns them into unwelcome guests.—
Jordan Mintzer,
HollywoodReporter,
10 July 2025
-
Camp Mystic was first established in 1926, but as flood data and modeling has improved in recent years, governments have debated how to best manage people who live, work and play along volatile rivers.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
10 July 2025
Adjective
-
The odds of a recession may be falling, but states appear to be betting that corporate leaders are still nervous.—
Scott Cohn,
CNBC,
12 July 2025
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Then there's the real world, which is entirely different, so in reality people have nothing to be nervous about.—
Wesley Stenzel,
EW.com,
12 July 2025
Adjective
-
After raids on California farms in June, some crops have been left unharvested, with farm operators fearful of more crackdowns to come.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 July 2025
-
Red flags might also include your child avoiding school or seeming fearful.—
Hannah Nwoko,
Parents,
10 July 2025
Adjective
-
Unlike cheaper rebounders that can feel stiff or unpredictable, this one stays sturdy and responsive.—
Jordan Galloway,
SELF,
15 July 2025
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Trump criticized the Russian leader, describing Putin as unpredictable.—
Callum Sutherland,
Time,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Skittish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skittish. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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