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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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Recent Examples of dither
David D. Kirkpatrick, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2024
And as the bodies pile up in the streets, the U.N. dithers with resolutions.
—Mitch Albom, Detroit Free Press, 3 Sep. 2023
Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024
But once the drama comes to a head, there is a long journey toward Christmas morning, one in which serial one-on-one conversations come to feel, eventually, like what had been a sure-footed piece of writing is suddenly dithering toward meaning in the midst of human messiness.
—Daniel D'addario, Variety, 13 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for dither 
Noun
Democrats are raising alarms that Vladimir Putin could advance on Kyiv while Congress dithers.
—David D. Kirkpatrick, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2024
And as the bodies pile up in the streets, the U.N. dithers with resolutions.
—Mitch Albom, Detroit Free Press, 3 Sep. 2023
Verb
Among other things, Albertsons’ asserted that Kroger dithered on divestiture deals that might have met the FTC’s objections.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024
But once the drama comes to a head, there is a long journey toward Christmas morning, one in which serial one-on-one conversations come to feel, eventually, like what had been a sure-footed piece of writing is suddenly dithering toward meaning in the midst of human messiness.
—Daniel D'addario, Variety, 13 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for dither
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dither
Noun
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That was the startling observation of one seasoned producer, reflecting confidentially on the panic among his peers since the turn of the year.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
11 Feb. 2025
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Government officials have hastened to quell any panic.—
Jeffrey Kluger,
TIME,
11 Feb. 2025
Verb
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When asked for his prediction of who would win tournament MVP if Finland were to win the 4 Nations, Roope Hintz didn’t hesitate very long.—
Arpon Basu,
The Athletic,
11 Feb. 2025
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Don’t hesitate to express your concerns, share your goals, or ask for guidance.—
Nick Blackmer,
Verywell Health,
10 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Here's what the locals think 04:30 9 minute read Published 6:00 AM EST, Sun February 9, 2025 Nuuk, Greenland CNN — The comings and goings at Greenland’s new international airport in its capital Nuuk look a bit different of late, as journalists like me come here to see what all the fuss is about.—
Donie O'Sullivan,
CNN,
9 Feb. 2025
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Dying follows three terminally ill individuals and their families in the last months of their lives, presenting these people with a minimum of fuss and sentiment.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
28 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Tesla's dominance in the electric vehicle market continues to falter as the brand reported its fifth consecutive quarterly registration decline.—
Yaakov Katz,
Newsweek,
7 Feb. 2025
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Was this the beginning of the end of the nerves, of their stay in the second tier, of their rivals’ hopes Leeds might yet falter?—
Beren Cross,
The Athletic,
6 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Volunteers were charged around 25 cents per huff, bringing in good profit for those who’d invested in the necessary gas tanks, tubes, and breathing bags.—
Oshan Jarow,
Vox,
7 Dec. 2018
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The huffs and hums, produced by two women standing face-to-face and vocalizing from their throats, is believed to be one of the oldest music forms in the world.—
Lale Arikoglu,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 Aug. 2024
Noun
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The waggish jeer that subverts the Reich Chancellery, designed by Adolf Hitler's chief architect, Albert Speer, must have sent the woman who chastises children for flatulent folly into a tizzy.—
Natasha Gural,
Forbes,
12 Jan. 2025
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When photos of Mangione hit social media, users across platforms went into a tizzy.—
Stephan Pechdimaldji,
Newsweek,
13 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Given the high-touch nature of weights and dumbbells, they should be cleaned after every use to remove oils, sweat, and dirt.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Feb. 2025
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Common causes of odor in clothing and shoes include sweat, grease, and urine or feces.—
Rabekah Henderson,
Southern Living,
8 Feb. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Dither.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dither. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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