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
Perreault-Magny said frightened and flustered migrants sometimes try to climb into his unmarked patrol pickup, mistaking it for a smuggler coming to collect them. — Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 29 July 2026 Basabe, a former reality TV personality and socialite who was first elected to the Florida House in 2022, appeared flustered. — Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
Verb
Proving he wasn't flustered, Gay judged length well, left the ball well, and picked his shots, especially against dangerous New Zealand quicks Will O'Rourke and Smith. — ABC News, 18 June 2026 On the witness stand, the teenager was reportedly combative and flustered by Jackson’s attorney Tom Mesereau, who attempted to poke holes in Gavin’s testimony and allegedly screamed at the boy throughout. — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 3 June 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
  • And everything is drier, more irritated — and even more acne-prone.
    — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Nice people may of course become irritated, disappointed, jealous, or defensive, since niceness does not require sainthood.
    — Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of irritated
Verb
  • The disclosure embarrassed senior officials, led to White House aide Scooter Libby’s conviction for perjury, later commuted, and drew intense political scrutiny.
    — Brian O'Neill, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Clemson The Tigers were embarrassed by LSU in their season opener, but a lack of talent had nothing to do with it.
    — Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of embarrassed
Adjective
  • Bayern Munich also play Thursday, hosting Bodo/Glimt, who last season knocked out Inter in a huge last-32 upset.
    — Leon Imber, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • The seven-time Grand Slam champion ultimately fell to Shelton in the thrilling upset, 6-7(5-7), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10-7).
    — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of upset
Verb
  • Not to be confused with inverted full backs, an inverted winger is a wide player who is used on the opposite side of the pitch to their strong foot — so a left-footer on the right or a right-footer on the left.
    — Jon Mackenzie, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • William does not want the public confused about who officially represents the King.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of confused
Adjective
  • People were understandably very nervous about being on camera, letting a camera into the room.
    — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Vinny, short for Vincent van Gogh, gets nervous and prefers shorter, quieter walks, and Macaroni, named after Fleetwood Mac, makes the stroller a tight squeeze for two cats.
    — Emily Tarinelli, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of nervous
Verb
  • Investors have been rattled by the resurgence of inflationary pressures, particularly as a fresh wave of conflict in the Middle East drives oil prices higher.
    — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
  • And the president's new plan to import ground beef has rattled many ranchers.
    — Gaby Vinick, ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of rattled
Adjective
  • Following instructions from the kidnappers (unbeknownst to his increasingly agitated comrades), Lee drives out to meet them for the exchange, only to wreck his car and become distracted saving a nearby woman, Hua (Moon Lee).
    — Jake Cole, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2026
  • During the interview at TMZ‘s offices, West grew increasingly agitated, pacing the newsroom while discussing opioid use and liposuction.
    — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of agitated
Adjective
  • The driver of the pickup truck, 21-year-old Jesse David Lovato, has since been arrested and is facing charges of manslaughter and aggravated assault, according to the outlets.
    — Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2026
  • On Monday, Hamby was charged with murder, aggravated assault, terroristic threats and acts, and possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of a felony, jail records show.
    — Irene Wright, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of aggravated

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Cite this Entry

“Flustered.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flustered. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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