1
as in darting
to make an irregular series of quick, sudden movements
a lonely butterfly fluttering across the lawn
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in flapping
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 fluttering
As the early swooning over Newsom suggests, some voters’ hearts are fluttering over the prospect of his candidacy.
—
Bret Stephens, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026
In the end, the town promises a simpler life, sipping strong espressos beneath fluttering palm trees.
—Dana Sauchelli, Travel + Leisure, 22 Jan. 2026
Consisting of wispy layers that create soft movement, akin to fluttering butterfly wings, the cut is a popular option for cascading long lengths.
—Hannah Malach, InStyle, 15 Jan. 2026
With 10 minutes to spare before a rally at the intersection of 45th Street and Lamar Boulevard, at least 50 protesters were already showing up with drums, saxophones, homemade signs and fluttering American flags to protest ICE's killing of 37-year-old Minneapolis resident Renee Nicole Good.
—Dante Motley, Austin American Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fluttering
Bret Stephens, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026
In the end, the town promises a simpler life, sipping strong espressos beneath fluttering palm trees.
—Dana Sauchelli, Travel + Leisure, 22 Jan. 2026
Consisting of wispy layers that create soft movement, akin to fluttering butterfly wings, the cut is a popular option for cascading long lengths.
—Hannah Malach, InStyle, 15 Jan. 2026
With 10 minutes to spare before a rally at the intersection of 45th Street and Lamar Boulevard, at least 50 protesters were already showing up with drums, saxophones, homemade signs and fluttering American flags to protest ICE's killing of 37-year-old Minneapolis resident Renee Nicole Good.
—Dante Motley, Austin American Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fluttering
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fluttering
Verb
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The singer-songwriter’s second album spotlights her wayward, darting mind and steadily droning guitar, with help from a constellation of fellow indie rockers from New York City and the Hudson Valley.—
Jayson Greene,
Pitchfork,
3 Mar. 2026
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Testifying in his own defense, Tyler said Wofford pointed a gun at him, her finger on the trigger, hands slightly shaking and eyes darting.—
Sam Charles,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Large, thoughtful pockets stay accessible without flapping, and adjusters at the waist and cuffs help keep comfortability, even at mid-hike.—
Jessica Chapel,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 Mar. 2026
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The way the Sharks were losing — and continue to lose — is one giant, flapping red flag.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Hammond is flitting around the festival wearing a button-up shirt embroidered with the word SWEAT.—
Madeline Leung Coleman,
Curbed,
25 Feb. 2026
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Watch for Carolina chickadees flitting through trees.—
Jessica Safavimehr,
Southern Living,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Artist Rafa Esparza, who had a painting on view showing men in cowboy hats dancing closely and kissing, called the content advisory censorship.—
Uwa Ede-Osifo,
Dallas Morning News,
27 Feb. 2026
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During the Olympics, a video of Ilia dancing in the club with a blonde girl went viral on TikTok.—
Lea Veloso,
StyleCaster,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The name Dekopin in Japanese refers to flicking someone on the forehead with a finger, typically as a lighthearted punishment or joke.—
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
24 Feb. 2026
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In Japanese, the word refers to flicking someone on the forehead with a finger, typically as a lighthearted punishment or joke.—
Ryan Brennan,
Kansas City Star,
24 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fluttering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fluttering. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.
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