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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
Golden State forced Clark into deep 3-point jumpers and flustered the visiting team with tenacious defense in the paint. Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 19 June 2025 For years, he has been flustered by the contact an Alex Caruso or OG Anunoby can get away with in the post, relative to someone like Karl-Anthony Towns. Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for fluster
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fluster
Noun
  • In 2022, then UK Prime Minister Liz Truss unleashed a wave of market panic with unfunded tax cuts that forced the Bank of England into emergency action after 30-year gilt yields soared by over 100 basis points.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Rebecca Ferguson stars as Captain Olivia Walker, a senior White House official tasked with keeping the government functioning as panic sets in, while Idris Elba plays a top national security adviser who must balance strategy with morality.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Indeed, there has been confusion over how many shots were fired when Finicum was killed and who fired them.
    Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 7 Sep. 2025
  • But that means there’s even more opportunity for confusion.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • If that wasn’t embarrassing enough, then came an ugly post-game brawl that has gone viral on social media all over the world.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Ultimately, the Eagles embarrassed the Chiefs, shutting them out 24-0 in the first half, and captured a 40-22 win.
    Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Kemp looked at the ceiling and blew a huff of air when Schwartz announced the sentence.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2025
  • 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
Noun
  • If fear of embarrassment is influencing how Gen Z engages at work, leaders should name it and offer alternatives.
    Ruth Oh Reitmeier, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Good intentions and moral high ground gave way to national embarrassment.
    Dan Fisher, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • This decision could confuse your friends.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The season ended with the two attending a sleepover at Cody's house after his mom confused Beavis and Butt-Head with her son's friends.
    Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Featuring four polished wooden blocks in warm tones topped with knotted jute rope bows, the set adds an autumnal charm with minimal fuss.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra gives you a rugged, do-anything vibe without fuss.
    Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Dialogue stays crisp for late-night Netflix, and game audio feels punchy without rattling the shelves.
    Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 3 Sep. 2025
  • The wind howled, rattling metal signs and tugging at our clothes as the dust swallowed everything in sight.
    Shaun McKinnon, AZCentral.com, 2 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fluster.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fluster. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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