flutter 1 of 2

Definition of flutternext
1
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

2
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
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 The sky was alive with millions of fluttering shapes, congregating into clouds at random, occasionally turning into ribbons that wound through the trees. David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for flutter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flutter
Noun
  • But Davis’s book is part of a flurry of statements and interviews that, investigators say, taken together amount to an admission he was involved in the murder.
    Andy Rose, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Those conferences signed on and saved it from near death late last month after a flurry of negotiations.
    ABC News, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The month of August offers some respite, a chance to reflect and reset before September kicks things into gear once more.
    Sophie Lou Wilson, Vogue, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The rookie didn't get a chance to show off his strikeout celebration, walking three and throwing a wild pitch that set up Mauricio Dubón's sacrifice fly.
    CBS News, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Upon further review of the camera footage, Sam Gough, a park supervisor for the Incline Village General Improvement District, said the light appeared to be just a bug flitting across the lens.
    Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Both Kroupi and Alvarez flit between centre-forward and second-striker roles during matches.
    Art de Roché, New York Times, 17 July 2026
Verb
  • The cast are clustered around a table of props and despite her disappointment at the lack of hag wigs, Dale Dickey is flapping a fishing net like a seafaring matador.
    Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Northern cardinals may flirt over lunch, with a male passing a choice bite to a female, while fledglings flap, gape and beg their parents for a snack.
    Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • In little more than a year, Europe’s broadcasting sector has seen a burst of dealmaking that would have looked improbable a decade ago.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The trick is to hold the can 8 to 10 inches away, and spray in short bursts.
    Iman Balagam, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Those same experts suggested that even with permanent approval, long-term oil drilling in the region also could be a high-stakes gamble.
    Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 9 Aug. 2026
  • With this freedom comes the unique ability to absorb any costs from a failed bet, and ensure that when a bold gamble pays off, the benefits are socialised globally.
    James Chen, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Other textiles in the house were found in India, Egypt, and Kuwait, where Consuelo bought a Bedouin tent, soon to be installed among the fig, persimmon, and pomegranate trees—and the darting lizards—in the gardens.
    Hamish Bowles, Vogue, 16 Aug. 2026
  • This conversation was taking place in Jaya Aunty’s living room, and Nidhi’s eyes kept darting about.
    Madhuri Vijay, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Launching into her massive tumbling, Esponda landed without a flicker.
    Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
  • The water around the device and the rock above it shield the detector from the glare of cosmic radiation, allowing the flickers of less common particle interactions to shine through.
    James Dinneen, Quanta Magazine, 7 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Flutter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flutter. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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