flustered 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of flusterednext
as in irritated

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flustered

2 of 2

verb

past tense of fluster
as in embarrassed
to throw into a state of self-conscious distress was flustered when her parents dragged out her baby pictures for her new boyfriend

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 flustered
Adjective
Within these confines the main characters register as aliens; Wendy and Jack aren’t just flustered but people who seem to have never been inculcated with a rudimentary sense of social propriety. — Vadim Rizov, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026 Sagal didn’t hold back with her reply, getting Danson a little flustered. — Shelby Stivale, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Aug. 2026
Verb
If this were still the primary, Raman would have flustered her way to a non-answer. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026 Saliba is rarely flustered, so to see his game affected as much as it was made an impression. — Art De Roché, New York Times, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for flustered
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flustered
  1. irritated
  2. embarrassed
  3. upset
  4. confused
  5. nervous
  6. rattled
  7. agitated
  8. aggravated
Adjective
  • For irritated skin, look for a mask with a cooling effect and soothing ingredients, such as 111Skin’s Rose Gold Brightening Mask Set.
    — Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Pause potent actives like retinoids, AHAs, BHAs and vitamin C when skin is irritated.
    — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of irritated
Verb
  • Many of rock’s ersatz Nazis were, like Bowie, subsequently embarrassed by their behavior.
    — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 12 Nov. 2026
  • In 2023, the Wildcats embarrassed TCU in a 41-3 defeat and there was also the agonizing 31-28 overtime loss to the Wildcats in the Big 12 championship.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of embarrassed
Adjective
  • There was no upset this time in the season opener for TCU men’s basketball as the Horned Frogs rolled to a 98-59 win over Lindenwood Monday night at Schollmaier Arena.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Hafley was naturally upset about Ollie Gordon’s unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that turned into a 3rd and 5 into a 3rd and 20 that the Dolphins didn’t convert during the Patriots’ 21-0 run.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of upset
Verb
  • The ballot paper was a large sheet, and I was confused by the plethora of party symbols printed on it.
    — Sonia Gandhi, Vanity Fair, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Critics have praised the book’s dark humor, though some have been confused by its elusive narrative.
    — Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of confused
Adjective
  • Eha Retreat offers a full nervous-system reset through forest rituals and Nordic coziness.
    — Nicole Trilivas, Travel + Leisure, 9 Nov. 2026
  • Nora is stuttery; Michael is relaxed; Saeed is nervous; Johnny is cooler than ice.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of nervous
Verb
  • The spending spree rattled Democrats in Georgia and Washington.
    — Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Earnings reports like these have rattled investors in recent months because of the hundreds of billions of dollars that are being poured into the AI sector.
    — Steve Kopack, NBC news, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of rattled
Adjective
  • Caregivers for dementia patients, whether family members at home or employees in an institution, can face daily challenges from residents who may be uncooperative or agitated, but advocates emphasize that caregivers must stay patient and respectful.
    — Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Yoko said her daughter simply tried to prevent an agitated resident from biting others by putting her hand around the person’s chin.
    — Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of agitated
Adjective
  • The Wyandotte County District Attorney’s Office charged him in July 2025 with first-degree murder and attempted aggravated robbery.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Thompson is being held in Escambia County awaiting extradition to Georgia on charges of felony murder and aggravated assault.
    — Dan Raby, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of aggravated

Browse Nearby Words

fluster
flustered
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Cite this Entry

“Flustered.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flustered. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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