1
as in darted
to make an irregular series of quick, sudden movements
a lonely butterfly fluttering across the lawn
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in flapped
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
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Recent Examples of fluttered
Dozens of butterflies, likely variable checkerspots with hints of yellow and red on their wings, fluttered all around.
—
Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
Cars honked their horns and cyclists pulled over to tune in as flags fluttered in the wind, fans clambered to see the screen, and people hugged and shouted.
—Anna Grace Lee, Vogue, 17 June 2026
On Monday afternoon, bumblebees and butterflies fluttered from flower to flower, while deer and raccoon tracks were printed into the dirt trails, still wet from this weekend’s rain.
—Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 16 June 2026
The two were often seen with what appeared to be unwashed, exposed roots that fluttered into beach waves down their backs.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 12 June 2026
The next day, a black flag fluttered by the hospital entrance to mourn those killed.
—ABC News, 7 June 2026
Advertisement Crossing an overpass into my western suburb of Baghdad, militia flags stamped with Ali Khamenei’s face fluttered in the wind.
—Nabil Salih, Time, 26 May 2026
Xi and a line-up of his top officials shook hands with the Russian president, before the relaxed-looking leaders stood shoulder to shoulder during a gun salute, while a military band played and Russian and Chinese flags fluttered in the background.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 20 May 2026
Mats Zuccarello took a shot from the left point that went off Toews and fluttered towards the net.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 10 May 2026
Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
Cars honked their horns and cyclists pulled over to tune in as flags fluttered in the wind, fans clambered to see the screen, and people hugged and shouted.
—Anna Grace Lee, Vogue, 17 June 2026
On Monday afternoon, bumblebees and butterflies fluttered from flower to flower, while deer and raccoon tracks were printed into the dirt trails, still wet from this weekend’s rain.
—Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 16 June 2026
The two were often seen with what appeared to be unwashed, exposed roots that fluttered into beach waves down their backs.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 12 June 2026
The next day, a black flag fluttered by the hospital entrance to mourn those killed.
—ABC News, 7 June 2026
Advertisement Crossing an overpass into my western suburb of Baghdad, militia flags stamped with Ali Khamenei’s face fluttered in the wind.
—Nabil Salih, Time, 26 May 2026
Xi and a line-up of his top officials shook hands with the Russian president, before the relaxed-looking leaders stood shoulder to shoulder during a gun salute, while a military band played and Russian and Chinese flags fluttered in the background.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 20 May 2026
Mats Zuccarello took a shot from the left point that went off Toews and fluttered towards the net.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 10 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fluttered
Verb
-
The next inning, the Rays’ Ben Williamson hit a two-out single to Tucker in right field, and Tampa’s Jonathan Aranda darted around third toward home.—
Liana Handler
Follow,
Los Angeles Times,
16 June 2026
-
But instead of trying to run out more time or take a foul, Fox darted to the basket and attempted a lay-up, which Anunoby blocked.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
Kerolin’s head was down and eventually so was Shaw’s, her run stopped, arms flapped against her side.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
17 May 2026
-
The jacket hugged every contour of your torso and never flapped in the wind.—
The Editors,
Outside,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Western whiptails flitted across the trail and onto rocks.—
Jaclyn Cosgrove,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
-
Brands may be gearing up for a European summer, but over the past couple of months, many European luxury labels — and with them, brand executives, fashion journalists, and VICs — have flitted between the coasts of the United States.—
Madeleine Schulz,
Vogue,
11 June 2026
Verb
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With thousands of dejected Spain supporters trudging past, fans of the Blue Sharks danced in celebration as supporters of other countries high fived and embraced them.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
16 June 2026
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Legendary ballet dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov, uber-socialite Nan Kempner, and fellow fashion designers Halston, Donna Karan, and Oscar de la Renta sipped champagne from crystal stemware and danced the night away on the main deck.—
Serena Turner,
Vanity Fair,
15 June 2026
Verb
-
Much like the Snicko technology used in cricket, broadcasters could even show a graphic illustrating the precise moment that Isak had flicked the ball on.—
Philip Buckingham,
New York Times,
15 June 2026
-
The next batter in Grahm Hutton flicked a chopper to third base and Harrington went on contact.—
Tim Crowley,
Boston Herald,
10 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fluttered.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fluttered. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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