dither 1 of 2

noun

Definition of dither
1
as in panic
a state of nervous or irritated concern Grandma usually gets in a dither if I don't make my weekly call

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in butterflies
a sense of panic or extreme nervousness we were all in a dither while we waited for the test results

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

dither

2 of 2

verb

ˈdi-t͟hər 
as in to hesitate
to show uncertainty about the right course of action we dithered all afternoon over whether to go to the park or to the movies and ended up doing neither

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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 dither
Noun
Viewers well versed in the ways of romantic fiction won’t be that surprised by how this little pas de quatre works out as Emile dithers and deliberates over each woman’s charms. — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026 Europe, by Shah's reckoning, has used regulation to dampen digital assets rather than enable them, while the UK once again dithers over which way to jump. — Kjartan Rist, Forbes.com, 16 June 2026
Verb
Besides, the rare earth industry is so cost-intensive that Lynas is even dithering on its new Texas facility despite the hundreds of millions secured from the Department of War. — Charlie Campbell, Time, 21 Apr. 2026 Republicans should stop dithering and use the reconciliation process to move through a unified package with only 51 Senate votes. — Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dither
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dither
  1. panic
  2. nerves
  3. hesitate
  4. fuss
  5. shivers
  6. falter
  7. huff
  8. sweat
Noun
  • Her parents helped create the law, which requires public schools to install a silent panic alarm system directly linked to law enforcement.
    — Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Yet there are also signs that the right’s revisionism panic might be petering out.
    — Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of panic
Noun
  • Now, the difference between my process and a lot of Simon’s process is meant to get rid of his nerves.
    — Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The Valkyries played the first half like a team shackled by nerves.
    — Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of nerves
Verb
  • Changing the clock gets complicated There are reasons school districts that accept the science on adolescent sleep still hesitate to change their schedules.
    — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Though her books continue to be adapted into movies and recurring series, Moriarty has always hesitated to write a sequel.
    — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of hesitate
Noun
  • His parents did not want to cause a fuss and give this bully power over their son by calling him out.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2026
  • This marks the first time since 2022 that Barca could spend significantly and register players without fuss.
    — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of fuss
Noun
  • Speaking to Julia Cunningham on her eponymous podcast, Adams says the moment when Cecile realizes her half-sister is the serial killer (while her mom was a plain ol’ one-off manslaughterer) still gives her the shivers.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 22 July 2026
  • Judith claims to be a forensic accountant, but is actually a career assassin whose very name sends shivers of fear through her enemies and ones of excitement through her admirers.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2026
Definition of shivers
Verb
  • Should any of them falter from here on out — or any sort of injury hit the rotation — the Phillies would be in a poor spot given their thin starting pitching depth and narrow margins to make the postseason after multiple dismal stretches.
    — Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • But their turnout in Broward, the state’s last big remaining Democratic stronghold, faltered.
    — Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of falter
Noun
  • Devers walked back to the dugout in a huff.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2026
  • Not everyone feels the same way, however, and some progressive parents and staff are in a huff.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2026
Definition of huff
Noun
  • On hot summer days, that breeze combined with a light sweat is a surprisingly efficient cooling system.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Wearing a pair of shorts made with breathable and sweat-wicking fabric can minimize this discomfort and ward off chafing.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of sweat

Browse Nearby Words

ditching
dither
dithered
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Cite this Entry

“Dither.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dither. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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