flicker 1 of 2

Definition of flickernext
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
On a recent visit to Stissing House—a historic tavern in Pine Plains, New York, and the host of every brand event on my radar in 2025—flickering candlelight cast a warm glow on my scallops swimming in green garlic butter. Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 17 Dec. 2025 When Verity isn’t with someone too young for him, the two are also occasional lovers, each aware of how their attachment flickers in and out based on neediness, resentment, and actual affection. Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 10 Dec. 2025
Noun
Her skin—something known as Frubber, a porous patented blend of fleshlike elastic polymers—stretched over a structure of plastic and titanium, and there was no flicker of bashfulness. Dan Turello, New Yorker, 10 Jan. 2026 Around those runs, the Pats hit Miami with a 35-yard flea flicker and an end around to exploit the poor discipline of their defensive backs. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 6 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flicker
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flicker
Verb
  • In the end, the town promises a simpler life, sipping strong espressos beneath fluttering palm trees.
    Dana Sauchelli, Travel + Leisure, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Butterflies and hummingbirds flutter about and two turkey vultures—with their six-foot wingspans—soar overhead.
    Devorah Lev-Tov, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Other features include a Game mode, which reduces latency so that the audio of games or movies are always synchronized with the video.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The grueling K-pop machine Ironically, the movie that made Ejae a star is an ode to the Korean pop music machine that disillusioned her all those years ago.
    Allison Cho, CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Beijing has responded with a flurry of economic pressure, including cutting flights and warning citizens against traveling to Japan.
    Chris Lau, CNN Money, 25 Jan. 2026
  • Newport Harbor ended the first period with another flurry.
    Dan Albano, Oc Register, 25 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • People crafted narratives out of suspicions, rumors and hints, to fill a desperate need for an explanation.
    M. Gessen, Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Whereas Boyd was plain-spoken on purpose, Wheeler’s diction was always elevated and precise, with a hint of sarcasm.
    Nell Freudenberger, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • But how bats can tell which echo to follow while flitting around in a sea of overlapping and competing signals pinging off the myriad surfaces in their environments has been a mystery—until now.
    Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 20 Jan. 2026
  • Valentino and his longtime partner Giancarlo Giammetti flitted among their homes — which also included places in New York, London, Rome, Capri and Gstaad, Switzerland — traveling with their pack of pugs.
    CBS News, CBS News, 19 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The academy, which has expanded its overseas membership in recent years, also continued its tilt toward international films.
    JAKE COYLE THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 23 Jan. 2026
  • Processing film dailies during on-set production, both speeding the ingest process and enabling quick evaluation of creative options during shooting.
    David Bloom, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The only constant is Mount Etna, looming off to one side, at times sputtering out smoke, ash, and short bursts of lava.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2026
  • And yet, two-thirds into the song’s six-minute lurch, a beaming synth line appears like a biblical burst of light, a plea for sanctuary from perpetual chaos.
    Stuart Berman, Pitchfork, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • But no, still not so much as a glimmer.
    Jason Zengerle, New Yorker, 24 Jan. 2026
  • Third-quarter sales at constant exchange rates beat analysts’ expectations and gave the luxury sector a glimmer of hope.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 22 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Flicker.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flicker. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.

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