1
a
: lively or frisky in action : capricious
b
2
: easily frightened : restive
a skittish horse
skittishly
adverb
skittishness
noun
Examples of skittish in a Sentence
We've been skittish about taking on such a large mortgage.
the skittish colt leapt up when we approached
Recent Examples on the Web
That’s the trick in retail anyway — and one that requires finesse in good times and real skill in tough ones, like now when consumers are skittish and President Donald Trump’s trade war is still disrupting supply.
—
Evan Clark, Footwear News, 7 July 2025
Despite being married to a therapist, Josh is rather myopic about his own emotional well-being and Foster telegraphs that disconnect with a softened tone of voice and a skittish kind of physicality.
—Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 9 May 2025
Maybe there’s a skittish four-legged friend in residence.
—Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 3 July 2025
In nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cataloochee Creek flows through a picturesque valley and is filled with skittish wild brookies.
—Robert Annis, Outside Online, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for skittish
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.
Evan Clark, Footwear News, 7 July 2025
Despite being married to a therapist, Josh is rather myopic about his own emotional well-being and Foster telegraphs that disconnect with a softened tone of voice and a skittish kind of physicality.
—Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 9 May 2025
Maybe there’s a skittish four-legged friend in residence.
—Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 3 July 2025
In nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cataloochee Creek flows through a picturesque valley and is filled with skittish wild brookies.
—Robert Annis, Outside Online, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for skittish
Cite this Entry
“Skittish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skittish. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share