FLUTTER Synonyms: 105 Similar and Opposite Words

flutter 1 of 2

noun

Definition of flutter

as in flurry

a sudden and usually temporary growth of activity the site saw a flutter of construction last month, but nothing's happening now

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in chance

chiefly British a risky undertaking most people regard the lottery as a harmless flutter

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

sure thing

flutter

2 of 2

verb

ˈflə-tər

as in to flit

to make an irregular series of quick, sudden movements a lonely butterfly fluttering across the lawn

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to flap

to move or cause to move with a striking motion fluttered my eyelashes as I struck up a conversation with the new guy at work

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 flutter

Noun

Seasonal sprites flit and flutter, providing transitional scenes, hinting at mystical elements whizzing all around within this otherwise very human plot. — Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2026 An Iranian flag flutters in the wind as ships remain anchored on May 16, 2026 in the Strait of Hormuz near Larak Island, Iran. — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 22 May 2026

Verb

All around them, guests smiled and laughed as children screamed with excitement and giggled each time a butterfly fluttered close. — Sophia Buonpane, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026 Young people fluttered about, wearing custom white T-shirts emblazoned with the festival’s retro cartoon-style poster art. — Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for flutter

Recent Examples of Synonyms for flutter

Noun

However, this flurry of spy satellite development was short-lived.

— Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 26 Aug. 2026
But over the next two decades, the singer would reiterate her legacy as an unstoppable force with a flurry of world tours, studio albums, film projects, corporate partnerships, and books.

— Stephen L. Betts, Rolling Stone, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of flurry

Noun

He was projected as a late-round draft pick in 2026, and another productive season, along with further development in the SEC, could boost his chances for a lasting NFL career starting in 2027.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 25 Aug. 2026
Then, there will be another chance for some showers Friday into Saturday as a cold front approaches.

— Bill Kelly, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of chance

Verb

For Hand-Painted Detail Versatile and timeless, this duo of hand-painted, ceramic platters can easily flit between casual family breakfasts and evenings hosting at home with a pile of hors d'oeuvres.

— Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 27 Aug. 2026
By the front door, a hummingbird repeatedly flitted to the tubular magenta blooms of the Salvia spathacea.

— Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of flit

Verb

Above the dancers flapped a ring of American flags, each representing a military veteran from the community who had passed away.

— Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
Thanks in part to a National Science Foundation (NSF) fellowship, Drew explored several designs for flying and became interested in creating robots that flap their wings in a way similar to real-life creatures.

— Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of flap

Noun

The burst and ability to create separation jumped out, as did his calm and composed finish, all at seemingly peak speed.

— Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026
This horror movie mostly just smelled of fake fog from a community theater production and occasionally you were startled by random bursts of air, once again pulling you from the events on screen.

— Meredith G. White, AZCentral.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of burst

Verb

Late in the second period, freshman Emma Yokoi avoided a flag pull on a short, fourth-and-1 reception and darted 21 yards for a touchdown to push Newport Harbor’s lead to 13-0.

— Dan Albano, Oc Register, 27 Aug. 2026
Golf carts dart around the island to drop guests at various outlets, but pathways are sandy, and there are steps to most of the restaurants, though beach rooms are all at floor level.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of dart

Browse Nearby Words

flutists

flutter

fluttered

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Flutter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flutter. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of flutter

noun

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on flutter

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

conscientious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes