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
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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
Erica Sloan, SELF, 28 Feb. 2025
In East Hampton, a 1964 house with a pair of steeply angled roofs displayed a severe flair that must have flustered the neighbors in nearby cottages.
—Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 26 Feb. 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
Much like a good parent is keenly aware of a young child’s mental state, when they might be flustered, and what would soothe them, having some recognition of when a friend or partner is stressed out can make tending to them more intuitive and connective.
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 28 Feb. 2025
In East Hampton, a 1964 house with a pair of steeply angled roofs displayed a severe flair that must have flustered the neighbors in nearby cottages.
—Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fluster
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fluster
Noun
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Trump faces growing pushback from his own party The markets were still in a panic on Monday when an unverified report circulated that the president was considering a 90-day pause on the tariffs.—
Time,
Time,
10 Apr. 2025
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As the deadline for obtaining a Real ID approaches, many Americans are scrambling to secure an appointment, some expressing panic over long delays at state DMVs.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
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However, since the start of 2025, there has been confusion among many in college mental health about how to comply with the intentions of the federal government.—
Eric Wood,
Forbes.com,
21 Apr. 2025
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The bill would directly conflict with federal law, opening the door for homeowners to face confusion regarding what is permitted.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
21 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Mariah Carey just pulled a classic mom move by embarrassing her teenage son in front of his friends.—
Mitchell Peters,
Billboard,
5 Apr. 2025
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The leaking was intended to embarrass Bork, whose nomination was ultimately rejected by the U.S. Senate albeit for reasons unrelated to his rental list.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
20 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The chute opens, and rambunctious No. 2 bursts out with an impatient huff.—
Phillip Valys,
Sun Sentinel,
15 Mar. 2025
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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
Noun
-
Around 2010 to 2011, as Woods walked knee-deep in the funk of public embarrassment, endless injuries and a broken swing, the door swung open to players desperate for space in major tournaments.—
Brendan Quinn,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
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Maybe Thursday is the start of something, of a retreat from embarrassment.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
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For decades, audiences have confused the two for one another — a line that's gotten all the more blurry as the Grammy winner launched her acting career and the Emmy winner began singing in multiple projects, including her turn as Sally Bowles in the 2014 Broadway revival of Cabaret.—
Dave Quinn,
People.com,
18 Apr. 2025
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Rob Lowe was recently confused for another celebrity during a Hollywood bus tour.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The actress kept the rest of her look fairly minimalist, opting for a sleek, modern style without fuss.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
4 Apr. 2025
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So is Aaron Judge, who couldn’t believe all the fuss that was being made over the Yankees’ new wood.—
Gary Phillips,
The Orlando Sentinel,
31 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The move has rattled economists, manufacturers, and security experts.—
Stephanie Hanes,
Christian Science Monitor,
18 Apr. 2025
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Meanwhile, Trump’s evolving tariff policies and economic war with China continue to rattle investors and businesses.—
Alexis Simendinger,
The Hill,
15 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fluster.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fluster. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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