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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The confused drivers darting across three lanes to an exit that was there last month, but has now vanished.—
Andres Viglucci,
Miami Herald,
8 Apr. 2026
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Guards will keep an eye on the ocean creature and in the event of aggressive behavior, such as a shark darting at surfers or swimmers, will implement a temporary beach closure.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 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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Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, and Chace Crawford catapulted to fame playing the scheming social butterflies flitting around Gossip Girl's Upper East Side.—
Rachel DeSantis,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 Apr. 2026
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Spring's warmth is settling in across southern Michigan, and hummingbirds will soon be flitting about the state.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Morrissey, who was dancing dangerously on the blue line from his first shift of the game — and who scored the goal that broke the deadlock in Winnipeg’s favour — singlehandedly redefined Winnipeg’s margin for error in the first period against the Blues.—
Murat Ates,
New York Times,
10 Apr. 2026
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There was that incredible band that was playing above and then walked down, and then everyone started dancing.—
Ashlyn Robinette,
PEOPLE,
9 Apr. 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 11 Apr. 2026.
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