1
as in panic
a state of nervous or irritated concern
all the yelling on the bus put the driver in a fluster
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in confusion
the emotional state of being made self-consciously uncomfortable
there was a palpable fluster in the audience when I asked my awkward question
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to embarrass
to throw into a state of self-conscious distress
was flustered when her parents dragged out her baby pictures for her new boyfriend
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of fluster
Jason Zinoman, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2023
In the 4 1/2 games Chubb missed, the Browns had their quarterback win a game (Bengals), needed last-second heroics from Odell Beckham Jr. in Dallas, and had the defense fluster Colts quarterback Phillip Rivers into two interceptions and a safety.
—Ellis L. Williams, cleveland, 12 Nov. 2020
Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Many of the world’s best players left flustered by Pete and Alice Dye’s grand examination.
—Justin Ray, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fluster
Noun
There’s cringe comedy in their fluster opposite her flamboyant imbecility.
—Jason Zinoman, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2023
In the 4 1/2 games Chubb missed, the Browns had their quarterback win a game (Bengals), needed last-second heroics from Odell Beckham Jr. in Dallas, and had the defense fluster Colts quarterback Phillip Rivers into two interceptions and a safety.
—Ellis L. Williams, cleveland, 12 Nov. 2020
Verb
Max Fried doesn’t get flustered.
—Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Many of the world’s best players left flustered by Pete and Alice Dye’s grand examination.
—Justin Ray, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fluster
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fluster
Noun
-
He’s been with the UK dating show ever since the beginning, and when word spread that Iain Stirling was leaving Love Island UK, many fans went into panic.—
Lea Veloso,
StyleCaster,
9 June 2025
-
Not knowing the new rules, there always is definitely a total panic and paranoia all the time.—
Mark Olsen,
Los Angeles Times,
5 June 2025
Noun
-
Some of those who chose to evacuate didn’t do so promptly, and there was widespread confusion whether evacuation was necessary at all.—
Rong-Gong Lin II,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2025
-
Two recent scientific reviews performed by the British National Health Service and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found little scientific support for the use of puberty blockers, hormone therapies, and surgery for youth with gender confusion.—
Krista Kafer,
Denver Post,
7 June 2025
Verb
-
The following program will contain graphic stupidity, as four friends compete to embarrass one another – only this time in Lithuania.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
9 June 2025
-
The intensity of the Russian attacks on Ukraine over the past weeks has further dampened hopes that the warring sides could reach a peace deal anytime soon — especially after Kyiv recently embarrassed the Kremlin with a surprising drone attack on military airfields deep inside Russia.—
SAMYA KULLAB,
Chicago Tribune,
7 June 2025
Noun
-
The chute opens, and rambunctious No. 2 bursts out with an impatient huff.—
Phillip Valys,
Sun Sentinel,
15 Mar. 2025
-
Volunteers were charged around 25 cents per huff, bringing in good profit for those who’d invested in the necessary gas tanks, tubes, and breathing bags.—
Oshan Jarow,
Vox,
7 Dec. 2018
Noun
-
Tacoma is Seattle’s industrial flunky, the also-ran, the perennial embarrassment.—
Caroline Fraser
June 10,
Literary Hub,
10 June 2025
-
Eric Adams’ collaboration has delivered nothing but embarrassment, money being stolen from our city coffers, and immigrant families being torn apart.—
Zohran Mamdani,
New York Daily News,
8 June 2025
Verb
-
The measures are set to take effect on Monday and have left many Haitians confused.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
6 June 2025
-
Elections and Certifications Don’t confuse a benefit or B corporation with a B Corp.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
Noun
-
But the city was overrun with his target audience—white progressives, left-leaning university faculty, and impressionable students who could be counted on to kick up a fuss.—
Deborah Baker
June 3,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2025
-
And even if House RINOs make a fuss, Senate conservatives would have the president’s bully pulpit as the enforcer to help get the entire party into line.—
Tiana Lowe Doescher,
The Washington Examiner,
30 May 2025
Verb
-
At night, passing juggernauts rattle the structure, shaking them from their slumber.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
5 June 2025
-
While Trump allies see the president’s reversals as a sign of necessary flexibility and part of a grand plan, the TACO acronym suggests Trump gets rattled at the first sign of trouble.—
Brett Samuels,
The Hill,
4 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fluster.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fluster. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
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