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
Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2025
Lockport sophomore Rebekah Ramirez doesn’t get flustered by the unexpected.
—Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 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
In the game’s opening minutes, UCLA’s pressure defense flustered the Scarlet Knights into a few turnovers before Johnson picked up his second foul and headed to the bench for the balance of the first half.
—Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2025
Lockport sophomore Rebekah Ramirez doesn’t get flustered by the unexpected.
—Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fluster
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fluster
Noun
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But another 454 people were injured during the ensuing panic.—
Elizabeth Hernandez,
The Denver Post,
7 Mar. 2025
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Uncertainty is scary, but fear, panic and worry add insult to injury—another layer of stress.—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes,
7 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Unlike his Western European counterparts, who waver between moral grandstanding and strategic confusion, Duda has taken the only approach that actually strengthens European security: full alignment with American leadership.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
3 Mar. 2025
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Each stanza reflects the confusion, horror and uncertainty that of the battle to keep Fort McHenry — and thus the City of Baltimore — from falling into British hands.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA TODAY,
3 Mar. 2025
Verb
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And the All-Star game embarrassed everyone who has ever picked up a basketball.—
Troy Renck,
The Denver Post,
1 Mar. 2025
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Callers are encouraged to share details that range from embarrassing to criminal.—
Oline H. Cogdill,
Sun Sentinel,
26 Feb. 2025
Noun
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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
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The huffs and hums, produced by two women standing face-to-face and vocalizing from their throats, is believed to be one of the oldest music forms in the world.—
Lale Arikoglu,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 Aug. 2024
Noun
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This isn’t just about saving influencers from embarrassment.—
Paige Musto,
Forbes,
25 Feb. 2025
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The energetic big man tends to hand out the embarrassments to his opponents.—
Mike Kaye,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Not to be confused with New Zealand musical comedy duo Flight of the Conchords.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes,
2 Mar. 2025
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Along those lines, a settlement should not be confused with a collective bargaining agreement, which pro teams and unionized employees extinguish or mollify a broader range of potential claims.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
28 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Even a timed exclusivity window for Half-Life 3 on SteamOS could push a lot of early adopters to see what all the fuss is about without excluding those who refuse to switch away from Windows.—
Ars Technica,
Ars Technica,
1 Mar. 2025
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The Oxo Brew 9-Cup is the perfect drip coffee maker and consistently provides a delicious cup of joe without a lot of fuss.—
Terri Williams,
Architectural Digest,
21 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Harker’s Isabella Lo had a shot at the tie, but her buzzer-beating 3-pointer rattled out.—
Glenn Reeves,
The Mercury News,
2 Mar. 2025
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Investors have also been rattled in recent days by Trump's promise of tariffs, along with recent economic reports flashing warning signs.—
Hakyung Kim,Alex Harring,
CNBC,
27 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fluster.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fluster. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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