panicky

adjective

Definition of panickynext
as in panicked

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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 panicky Events came to a head months later when a panicky party forced Starmer’s resignation and his replacement by Burnham as party leader and prime minister in July. — ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026 The hardest part about it might be dealing with panicky Cubs fans in a pennant race. — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026 As if Wendy’s hands, heart and day planner weren’t full enough, a panicky Jack determines to win her back, much to her torment. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026 The vice president was panicky, the authors wrote. — Maureen Dowd, Mercury News, 18 June 2026 In the mid-2010s, when every other norm of civility was beginning to fall apart, Jeopardy strategy became a panicky knife fight for the Doubles, the most powerful clues on the board. — Drew Goins, The Atlantic, 19 May 2026 The redemption requests at Blue Owl included some large institutions and wasn’t just limited to panicky retail investors, this person said. — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 2 Apr. 2026 Most descriptions conclude that Obama used this quirky exchange to overrule his panicky advisors and run full steam ahead on health reform. — Literary Hub, 23 Mar. 2026 Avoid jerky or panicky movements, and don’t wave for help — movement may attract the drone. — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 12 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for panicky
  1. panicked
  2. worried
  3. upset
  4. apprehensive
  5. nervous
  6. frightened
  7. anxious
  8. jittery
Adjective
  • Then came a panicked call from Miller, who spotted jackhammers across the street.
    — Rachel Treisman, NPR, 28 Sep. 2026
  • For a panicked moment, the two of them just looked at each other.
    — Josephine Reisman, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of panicked
Adjective
  • Not that the type of people staying here are worried about getting anywhere; this is the private car and driver, door-to-door service type of clientele.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • But instead of celebrating that success, Andi is worried she’ll be seen as an opportunist rather than a legitimate co-author.
    — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of worried
Adjective
  • Legend has it Michael Jackson asked his security to keep fans away from him at a local dive bar, only to become upset when the locals were all too good at treating him like a normal person.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Ultimately, after he was found out to be a con artist, according to his critics, Minnesota media appears to be more so upset that Jamal was not acting in the Somali community’s best interests.
    — Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of upset
Adjective
  • Kids often don’t want to hear that, Kaliamurthy said, and families can be apprehensive about such an open commitment.
    — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Fleet operators acknowledged that some drivers have been apprehensive to make the leap to zero-emission trucks because the technology is new and charging can be a challenge.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of apprehensive
Adjective
  • Everyone was in a good mood, if a little nervous about what was going to be discussed.
    — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Alberto Hernandez Castillo, a Cuban national with lawful permanent residence in the United States, was also acting nervous, the agent said.
    — David Goodhue October 6, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of nervous
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, some of the frightened and wary passengers wondered about them and whether they could be trusted.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026
  • He’s supposed to be embarrassed by me, not frightened for me.
    — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of frightened
Adjective
  • As in the thriller, anxious local leaders debated whether publicizing the peril would scare off tourists.
    — Bob Drogin, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Because of these risks, many conservation groups and lawmakers are anxious to see permanent protections.
    — Christiana Freitag, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of anxious
Adjective
  • His Chris Hansen is all flashy surface, full of jittery go-getter energy and disturbingly devoid of inner life.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 25 Sep. 2026
  • After two jittery routines to start her competition, Claire triumphed with a stick to rocket ahead of Blakely and Carey.
    — Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of jittery

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Panicky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/panicky. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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