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
George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024
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
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
In 2025, my hope for the world is that governments and institutions will finally stop dithering and focus on solutions that deliver the best returns.
—George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for dither
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dither
Noun
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That idea—of a grand continuum, in which the circumstances change but all of our big human feelings (heartache, joy, unease, panic, contentment) remain the same, across time and vast distances—felt germane to her new songs.—
Amanda Petrusich,
The New Yorker,
17 Mar. 2025
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Mix that with panic, dread, and disappointment from the judges, pack your bags!—
Joey Nolfi,
EW.com,
15 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Reach out to people, don’t hesitate to ask questions and don’t always focus on specializing—the world out there today is (often) seeking generalists.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes,
10 Mar. 2025
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Here’s to the week ahead, and don’t hesitate to reach out.—
Quartz Staff,
Quartz,
9 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Princess Cruises Offering premium packages without the fuss of some larger companies, Princess Cruises are sophisticated and cater to travelers who value off-boat excursions as much as onboard activities.—
Stacey Lastoe,
Southern Living,
11 Mar. 2025
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Light, floaty, and romantic, Pottery Barn’s voile bed skirt could easily skew frilly—but bright white cotton and sleek elegant folds help the design steer clear of fuss.—
Shoko Wanger,
Architectural Digest,
5 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Why do so many organizations falter in executing their strategies?—
Forrester,
Forbes,
18 Mar. 2025
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However, the Northern Irishman’s blazing play would falter a bit, bogeying the 14th hole while Spaun birdied the 14th and 16th holes.—
Jacob Lev,
CNN,
16 Mar. 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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No wonder the market is in a tizzy trying to digest all of this.—
Kelly Evans,
CNBC,
4 Mar. 2025
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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
Noun
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Andreeva’s curly blond hair was slicked back into a braid, and sweat dotted her teal outfit.—
Louisa Thomas,
The New Yorker,
9 Mar. 2025
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The company can collect saliva or sweat samples from clients like the young boy.—
William Lambers,
Newsweek,
7 Mar. 2025
Articles Related to dither
Cite this Entry
“Dither.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dither. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
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