1
as in excitable
easily excited by nature
the skittish colt leapt up when we approached
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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 skittish
Pixar has always been skittish about franchise building.
—
Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 24 June 2025
This helps explain why New Delhi, despite its often confident rhetoric, is skittish about confronting Beijing unless pressed, even when it is backed by Washington.
—Ashley J. Tellis, Foreign Affairs, 17 June 2025
Plus, hearing from the new owners, those dogs have also been scared and skittish around humans.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 May 2025
Donors were skittish and angry, and vocal about their frustration with the university.
—Gina Kolata, New York Times, 3 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for skittish
Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 24 June 2025
This helps explain why New Delhi, despite its often confident rhetoric, is skittish about confronting Beijing unless pressed, even when it is backed by Washington.
—Ashley J. Tellis, Foreign Affairs, 17 June 2025
Plus, hearing from the new owners, those dogs have also been scared and skittish around humans.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 May 2025
Donors were skittish and angry, and vocal about their frustration with the university.
—Gina Kolata, New York Times, 3 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for skittish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skittish
Adjective
-
In the emotionally complex role of Bert, Jonathan West gives a winning turn that’s all heart – just like a Golden – and makes a great team with Jamie Elvey’s excitable but pragmatic Trixie.—
Duante Beddingfield,
Freep.com,
30 July 2025
-
Second, from a real-world perspective, if a dog is highly excitable or reactive, certain programming might overstimulate or stress them.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
17 July 2025
Adjective
-
This has made the White Sox timid to deal the outfielder.—
Hunter Mulholland,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 July 2025
-
Bangladesh needs a new economic plan and the interim government may be too timid to pursue it.—
Vasuki Shastry,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
Adjective
-
The consequences would be far reaching and upend an already volatile political world.—
Michael Smolens,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 Aug. 2025
-
The explosion was one of the country’s largest since the 2010 eruption of Mount Merapi, the country’s most volatile volcano.—
Rachel Wolf,
FOXNews.com,
2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Despite more than 50 years in show business – running the gamut of Broadway, TV and film − Martin Short refreshingly still feels nervous ahead of hosting his first game show.—
Erin Jensen,
USA Today,
23 July 2025
-
All 11 brought home at least one full point in Rome, the result of their talent but also of a cohesive approach where veteran Justin Rose was willing to be paired with nervous rookie Robert MacIntyre in fourball and sit the foursomes sessions.—
Brody Miller,
New York Times,
23 July 2025
Adjective
-
Raids on California farms in June already left crops unharvested and farm operators fearful of more crackdowns to come.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 July 2025
-
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
Adjective
-
Unlike cheaper rebounders that can feel stiff or unpredictable, this one stays sturdy and responsive.—
Jordan Galloway,
SELF,
15 July 2025
-
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 6 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share