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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 flitter
There might be a butterfly flittering about barren aspen trunks.
—
Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 28 Apr. 2025
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
Coaches and friends flitter in and out.
—Megan Feringa, The Athletic, 2 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
As a result Rose flittered on the periphery of the game but was never readmitted to it.
—Michael Peregrine, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024
Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 28 Apr. 2025
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
Coaches and friends flitter in and out.
—Megan Feringa, The Athletic, 2 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
As a result Rose flittered on the periphery of the game but was never readmitted to it.
—Michael Peregrine, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flitter
Verb
-
Expect flocks of vibrant flamingos and tiny flitting hummingbirds spreading their wings over the turquoise waters and tangles of mangroves that unfold across lagoons that stretch parallel to the sea.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Sep. 2025
-
To a different namesake, all this flitting indecision might seem like disrespect.—
Jason O'Bryan,
Robb Report,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The journalist’s eyes dart from side to side.—
Sara Stridsberg
September 15,
Literary Hub,
15 Sep. 2025
-
In a surveillance video released by authorities, Robinson allegedly darts across the roof after firing the single shot, jimmies down to a ledge and jumps to the grass below.—
Rick Jervis,
USA Today,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Later, Tom pours vodka into a Phillies cup and watches birds flutter by at night while Robbie gets his guns ready and shakes down a trap house.—
Grace Byron,
Vulture,
8 Sep. 2025
-
In the Lower West Side of Chicago, music blared and green, white and red flags fluttered down the streets of the predominantly Latino Pilsen neighborhood on Saturday as crowds gathered for the start of Mexican Independence Day celebrations.—
Danya Gainor,
CNN Money,
7 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Flitter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flitter. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share