flustering 1 of 2

adjective

as in embarrassing
causing embarrassment a flustering situation that left us all silent

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

flustering

2 of 2

verb

present participle of fluster
as in confusing
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 flustering
Verb
The Pistons’ defense is swarming and flustering the Cavs. — Zach Harper, New York Times, 8 May 2026 But Seymour threw on a press, flustering the Patriots, who began to turn the ball over. — Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 22 Mar. 2026 In the first half the Horned Frogs were successful in flustering the freshman. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flustering
  1. embarrassing
  2. confusing
  3. awkward
  4. rattling
  5. uncomfortable
  6. disconcerting
  7. unpleasant
  8. difficult
Adjective
  • There is a difference, however, between the default belief that certain predictions are wrong and the default belief that certain predictions are embarrassing.
    — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 25 July 2026
  • And that’s why LeBron James signing with the Philadelphia 76ers is the single funniest outcome of this interminable and now embarrassing (for the Warriors) saga.
    — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 24 July 2026
Definition of embarrassing
Verb
  • Experts argue that while autism doesn't excuse criminal acts, failing to understand its impact risks confusing impaired social reasoning with criminal intent, leading to unjust outcomes.
    — Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
  • How Patients Can Choose More Carefully Istanbul has a lot of options, which can feel both useful and also confusing at the same time.
    — Nia Bowers, USA Today, 22 July 2026
Definition of confusing
Adjective
  • Created by Ben Kronengold and Rebecca Shaw, the series has earned comparisons to Friends and Girls thanks to its awkward humor, relatable characters, and chaotic friendships.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • If Tottenham don’t sign someone before that first game, De Zerbi might have to use an awkward front three of the Frenchman, Richarlison and Dominic Solanke.
    — Luke Bosher, New York Times, 31 July 2026
Definition of awkward
Verb
  • With the inflation genie rattling the bottle, bonds sold off.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 24 July 2026
  • Adjacent to the team’s locker room, the sounds of drills digging and screws rattling were constants.
    — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Definition of rattling
Adjective
  • Then, in his most recent outing against the Angels, Skubal dominated for seven shutout innings, a forceful reminder of the ability that led him to this uncomfortable precipice.
    — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Abi Adamson, author of Culture Blooming (the Substack and book) starts somewhere more uncomfortable.
    — Nell Derick Debevoise Dewey, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of uncomfortable
Verb
  • This imbalance is perhaps not expressly disconcerting much of the time.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026
  • There was also some disconcerting history to consider.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 17 Apr. 2026
Definition of disconcerting
Adjective
  • Combined with massaging seats, powerful climate control and extensive sound insulation, the technology turns an unpleasant commute into something approaching a sensory deprivation chamber.
    — Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • Chief on consumers' minds is cyclosporiasis, an unpleasant intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which has recently dominated headlines amid a tidal wave of cases.
    — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 28 July 2026
Definition of unpleasant
Adjective
  • Strickland said even getting equipment on the road during construction can be difficult for farmers.
    — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 July 2026
  • While following the money may be difficult, there are other signs of the growing role of organized crime in politics.
    — Mary Beth Sheridan, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
Definition of difficult

Browse Nearby Words

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flustering
flusters
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Cite this Entry

“Flustering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flustering. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of flustering for Spanish Speakers

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