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
Inspired by the heart-fluttering love letters Sally writes to Linus, the designs feature instantly recognizable motifs that marry the Peanuts’ charm with Margesherwood’s refined silhouettes.
—
Claire Salinda, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2026
Pugh’s dress wholly evoked dark glamour, with a high neckline, fluttering short sleeves and a hint of contrasting fabric throughout the design of the dress.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 18 Feb. 2026
Stroll the Butterfly Garden to see butterflies fluttering about the plants that were planted especially to give them a home.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 17 Feb. 2026
Nothing sparks a team quite like killing off a five-on-three, and Canada scored in transition just 14 seconds after Fast was freed, as Kristin O’Neill batted in a fluttering Fast rebound for a 1-0 lead.
—Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fluttering
Claire Salinda, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2026
Pugh’s dress wholly evoked dark glamour, with a high neckline, fluttering short sleeves and a hint of contrasting fabric throughout the design of the dress.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 18 Feb. 2026
Stroll the Butterfly Garden to see butterflies fluttering about the plants that were planted especially to give them a home.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 17 Feb. 2026
Nothing sparks a team quite like killing off a five-on-three, and Canada scored in transition just 14 seconds after Fast was freed, as Kristin O’Neill batted in a fluttering Fast rebound for a 1-0 lead.
—Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fluttering
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fluttering
Verb
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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,
9 Mar. 2026
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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
Verb
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Yes, literally like a bird flapping its wings.—
Alex Kirshner,
New York Times,
8 Mar. 2026
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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
Verb
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For families Families were flitting around the lobby, pool terrace, and elevators throughout my stay, so rest assured that this is a great spot to bring the kids—not to mention that the attached shopping mall and exceptionally safe surrounding neighborhood are reassuring for any parent.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 Mar. 2026
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Hammond is flitting around the festival wearing a button-up shirt embroidered with the word SWEAT.—
Madeline Leung Coleman,
Curbed,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Since then, Spears has largely used Instagram to communicate with fans, frequently posting solo videos of herself dancing.—
Chelsea Hylton,
CBS News,
5 Mar. 2026
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Kate Middleton's busy day in Leicester, England, has so far included dancing with worshippers barefoot and paying subtle tribute (via her earrings) to her husband Prince William.—
Emma Banks,
InStyle,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Maza drew in Hamburg players before flicking the ball on for Kofane, who lashed it into the top-left corner.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 Mar. 2026
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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
Cite this Entry
“Fluttering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fluttering. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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