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flicker 1 of 2

as in to flutter
to make an irregular series of quick, sudden movements a dragonfly flickering above the salt marsh

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flicker

2 of 2

noun

1
as in movie
a story told by means of a series of continuously projected pictures and a sound track as a child, the future director would spend hours sitting in the theater, totally entranced by the flickers

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2
3
as in hint
an almost imperceptible sign of something there was a flicker of recognition in her eye when I mentioned his name, but she denied knowing him

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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 flicker
Verb
Minutes later, Buddy's lamp began to flicker. Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025 By the time it was all set up, the whole cold, disintegrating place was threaded with lights and lines, flickering everywhere, black and red, the sheer quantity somehow terrifying and embracing at once. Blair Braverman, Outside, 28 Oct. 2025
Noun
Its tri-color LED lights flicker to the beat of the music. Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2025 Jack-o’-lanterns flicker on doorsteps, skeletons hang from porches and children test out their costumes before the big night. Brandi D. Addison, Cincinnati Enquirer, 25 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for flicker
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flicker
Verb
  • The president’s guests — which included top members of his administration, MAGA allies and big-time political donors — noshed on hors d’oeuvres and downed exotic cocktails while jazz music blared and burlesque dancers fluttered their fans.
    Garrett Haake, NBC news, 3 Nov. 2025
  • The all-new Elevance Concept SUV isn't as immediately lovable as the classic Delica Chamonix 4x4 vans that still make our hearts flutter generations later.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Pointing his finger at me, Tommy laid out the next fifty years of my movie business existence.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Designed by Oscar Niemeyer, who envisioned the city, Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil hosts art exhibitions, international movies, and other events.
    Greyson Ferguson, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The 50-year mortgage proposal came amid a flurry of posts from Pulte, a member of one of America’s most prominent homebuilding families, who was fresh off a Friday appearance at ResiDay, a residential real estate conference hosted by ResiClub.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Prospect Avenue was renamed Hollywood Boulevard, and a flurry of tony hotels, palatial theaters and glitzy boutiques opened along the stretch between Vine Street and Highland Avenue.
    Oren Peleg, HollywoodReporter, 9 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Players can provide hints or hold fast but will end up pissing the duo off either way.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 7 Nov. 2025
  • This burgundy option brings a hint of holiday cheer while looking sophisticated.
    Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Something seemed to flit before his eyes, perhaps a glimpse of himself flying across a football field, all velocity and bad intentions.
    Nick Stern, Rolling Stone, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Pulse is a ghost story, featuring two interwoven storylines about young Tokyoites who begin to see and hear strange apparitions flitting across their computer screens.
    Katie Rife, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • If only the music were able to keep pace with the dynamism of the film’s visual design.
    Kambole Campbell, IndieWire, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Sinners and Wicked were also included in the best score soundtrack for visual media category, which includes film and television, where the music from those films will compete against How To Train Your Dragon, Severance and The Wild Robot.
    Katherine Schaffstall, HollywoodReporter, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Despite the generally mild outlook, meteorologists are watching key atmospheric factors that could create bursts of intense snow, like expected next week when an early-season lake-effect snow is expected to impact the Great Lakes.
    Brandi D. Addison, Freep.com, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Comedian and actress Atsuko Okatsuka opened the ceremony with a burst of laughter and energy.
    Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • These numbers, up from 2024’s estimate of six to eight total individuals, reflect a glimmer of hope in what has otherwise been a tragic tale of decline.
    Ryan Green, Scientific American, 6 Nov. 2025
  • While some see a glimmer of hope in this moment, others are skeptical.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 30 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Flicker.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flicker. Accessed 28 Nov. 2025.

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