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fluster

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb fluster contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of fluster are agitate, discompose, disquiet, disturb, perturb, and upset. While all these words mean "to destroy capacity for collected thought or decisive action," fluster suggests bewildered agitation.

his declaration of love completely flustered her

When might agitate be a better fit than fluster?

The words agitate and fluster can be used in similar contexts, but agitate suggests obvious external signs of nervous or emotional excitement.

in his agitated state we could see he was unable to work

When would discompose be a good substitute for fluster?

While in some cases nearly identical to fluster, discompose implies some degree of loss of self-control or self-confidence especially through emotional stress.

discomposed by the loss of his beloved wife

When could disquiet be used to replace fluster?

The synonyms disquiet and fluster are sometimes interchangeable, but disquiet suggests loss of sense of security or peace of mind.

the disquieting news of factories closing

When can disturb be used instead of fluster?

In some situations, the words disturb and fluster are roughly equivalent. However, disturb implies interference with one's mental processes caused by worry, perplexity, or interruption.

the discrepancy in accounts disturbed me

In what contexts can perturb take the place of fluster?

Although the words perturb and fluster have much in common, perturb implies deep disturbance of mind and emotions.

perturbed by her husband's strange behavior

When is upset a more appropriate choice than fluster?

While the synonyms upset and fluster are close in meaning, upset implies the disturbance of normal or habitual functioning by disappointment, distress, or grief.

the family's constant bickering upsets the youngest child

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 fluster
Noun
There’s cringe comedy in their fluster opposite her flamboyant imbecility. Jason Zinoman, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2023 In the 4 1/2 games Chubb missed, the Browns had their quarterback win a game (Bengals), needed last-second heroics from Odell Beckham Jr. in Dallas, and had the defense fluster Colts quarterback Phillip Rivers into two interceptions and a safety. Ellis L. Williams, cleveland, 12 Nov. 2020
Verb
In any other circumstance, I would have been flustered, embarrassed, and ready to drag her out of there and straight into a time-out. Staff Author, Parents, 5 May 2025 Midway through Donald Trump‘s 100-day interview with ABC’s Terry Moran, the president got flustered. Ted Johnson, Deadline, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fluster
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fluster
Noun
  • According to the report, the lightning strike left beachgoers, swimmers and surfers in a panic, and many ran for their cars in the immediate aftermath.
    Peter D'Abrosca, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2025
  • Steven was there for Conrad in that moment too, finding him on the beach hyperventilating and talking him out of the panic to distract him.
    Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • Amid uncertainty and confusion, people turn to leaders who promise to guide them out of darkness.
    Emi Eleode, Time, 14 July 2025
  • The One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed by President Donald Trump last week contains dozens of complex tax and other provisions that have generated confusion and misinformation.
    Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Manager Luis Enrique's side then embarrassed Inter Miami 4-0 in the round of 16 and survived two late red cards vs. Bayern Munich to win that quarterfinal battle 2-0. PSG vs. Real Madrid Injury, Suspension, Lineup News: Both teams will be missing key pieces along their back lines today.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
  • The Nuggets, like the current Rockies, were embarrassing themselves regularly before posting an 11-71 record.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 5 July 2025
Noun
  • Getty Images To date, the post has amassed more than 900 comments from TikTok viewers, many of them poking fun at the golden retriever mother's annoyed expression and shallow huffs.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025
  • The chute opens, and rambunctious No. 2 bursts out with an impatient huff.
    Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The event was widely viewed as an embarrassment for the administration.
    Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 18 July 2025
  • But as George points out, embarrassment is one of the biggest barriers to getting on track.
    Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Amazon $650 Samsung $650 Best Buy Not to be confused with the Galaxy S24 series, this midrange smartphone from late 2024 has some elements of the flagship phone, but makes some sacrifices to get the price down.
    Simon Hill, Wired News, 11 July 2025
  • Hence, Nicole left the party, despondent at having been rejected and confused at the cold reception.
    Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • So what’s all the fuss about a 51 year old when there are much older spirits about?
    Mark Littler, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • On a hot afternoon, who isn’t hoping to mix intriguing drinks with a minimum of fuss?
    Amiel Stanek, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • On a recent evening visit, Miller was rattled by the call of coyotes.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025
  • The tariff threats have rattled Brazil's exporters.
    Carrie Kahn, NPR, 10 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fluster.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fluster. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.

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