as in to flit
to make an irregular series of quick, sudden movements
the birds flittered back and forth between the backyard feeder and the safety of the trees
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Recent Examples of flitter
Ringo was yellow submarines and octopus gardens, the mascot little brother, despite being the eldest Beatle, and the best at flittering above the feuds that afflicted the trio of geniuses around him.
—
Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2025
Coaches and friends flitter in and out.
—Megan Feringa, The Athletic, 2 Jan. 2025
The unexpected sight of the little orange carp flittering around in a glorified puddle was everywhere, a social-media must-post, a Walden surrounded by concrete at a corner known as the Bed-Stuy Aquarium.
—The Editors, Curbed, 2 Dec. 2024
As a result Rose flittered on the periphery of the game but was never readmitted to it.
—Michael Peregrine, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024
Ringo was yellow submarines and octopus gardens, the mascot little brother, despite being the eldest Beatle, and the best at flittering above the feuds that afflicted the trio of geniuses around him.
—Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2025
Our attention constantly jumps from one flittering speck to the next, and the storm of activity blocks our view of the whole sphere.
—Oshan Jarow, Vox, 8 Jan. 2025
My eyes gleefully flittered among the many gilded furnishings, opulent light fixtures, and damask wall treatments.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 7 Dec. 2024
The unexpected sight of the little orange carp flittering around in a glorified puddle was everywhere, a social-media must-post, a Walden surrounded by concrete at a corner known as the Bed-Stuy Aquarium.
—The Editors, Curbed, 2 Dec. 2024
Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2025
Coaches and friends flitter in and out.
—Megan Feringa, The Athletic, 2 Jan. 2025
The unexpected sight of the little orange carp flittering around in a glorified puddle was everywhere, a social-media must-post, a Walden surrounded by concrete at a corner known as the Bed-Stuy Aquarium.
—The Editors, Curbed, 2 Dec. 2024
As a result Rose flittered on the periphery of the game but was never readmitted to it.
—Michael Peregrine, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024
Ringo was yellow submarines and octopus gardens, the mascot little brother, despite being the eldest Beatle, and the best at flittering above the feuds that afflicted the trio of geniuses around him.
—Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2025
Our attention constantly jumps from one flittering speck to the next, and the storm of activity blocks our view of the whole sphere.
—Oshan Jarow, Vox, 8 Jan. 2025
My eyes gleefully flittered among the many gilded furnishings, opulent light fixtures, and damask wall treatments.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 7 Dec. 2024
The unexpected sight of the little orange carp flittering around in a glorified puddle was everywhere, a social-media must-post, a Walden surrounded by concrete at a corner known as the Bed-Stuy Aquarium.
—The Editors, Curbed, 2 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flitter
Verb
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Endemic species of long, segmented bristle worms and tiny crustaceans graze on bacteria mats and flit among fields of chemosynthetic tube worms, growing thick as grass.—
Christian Elliott,
Smithsonian Magazine,
21 Apr. 2025
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During a hike through Robinsons Island, visitors can spot boreal chickadees, red crossbills and yellow warblers flitting along the branches, while the refuge’s many beaches are perfect for spotting shorebirds like the willet and greater yellowlegs.—
Jared Ranahan,
Forbes,
9 Mar. 2025
Verb
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My eyes darted left and right, searching for my assailant in the storm.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
EW.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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On the other hand, your pup will dart to your room and wolf these down instantly.—
Julian Chokkattu,
Wired News,
11 Apr. 2025
Verb
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While some birds can flutter in place momentarily, the hummingbird can hover in one place for an extended period, fly forward or backward, and move at an incredible speed.—
Ernie Cowan,
Mercury News,
27 Apr. 2025
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Less enjoyable: being assaulted by the insects that are fluttering around the porch lights, just waiting for an opportunity to be ushered indoors.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
17 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Flitter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flitter. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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