flutter 1 of 2

Definition of flutternext
1
as in to flit
to make an irregular series of quick, sudden movements a lonely butterfly fluttering across the lawn

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to flap
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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of flutter
Noun
Seasonal sprites flit and flutter, providing transitional scenes, hinting at mystical elements whizzing all around within this otherwise very human plot. Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2026 An Iranian flag flutters in the wind as ships remain anchored on May 16, 2026 in the Strait of Hormuz near Larak Island, Iran. Sam Meredith, CNBC, 22 May 2026
Verb
Some people feel a racing heartbeat or fluttering in their chest. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 7 Aug. 2026 The postgame image of Brees holding his then-1-year-old first child, Baylen, as both grasped at fluttering confetti, is iconic in New Orleans. ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flutter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flutter
Noun
  • The Miami Herald spoke with four Cubans and one Brazilian man who were sent as part of a flurry of deportation flights across Africa in August.
    Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Ahead of the official start of the US Open, a flurry of fetes took place across New York City.
    Paul Chi, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Below, find last-chance deals on summer sandals, fall-ready booties, ultra-cute ballet flats, and more for up to 79 percent off.
    Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The chances of flash flooding within 25 miles of any location in Jefferson and Hardin counties had increased to a moderate risk of 40% to 69%, Jones said.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Behold the plight of the Ryan Murphy character, cursed to behave nonsensically and flit wildly from plotline to plotline based on the writer’s whims.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026
  • City juggled negotiations with Gakpo and Ndiaye in the past seven days, enabling them to flit between the two depending on who was most desired or, in the event, most realistic.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Above the dancers flapped a ring of American flags, each representing a military veteran from the community who had passed away.
    Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Thanks in part to a National Science Foundation (NSF) fellowship, Drew explored several designs for flying and became interested in creating robots that flap their wings in a way similar to real-life creatures.
    Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 16 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The burst and ability to create separation jumped out, as did his calm and composed finish, all at seemingly peak speed.
    Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026
  • This horror movie mostly just smelled of fake fog from a community theater production and occasionally you were startled by random bursts of air, once again pulling you from the events on screen.
    Meredith G. White, AZCentral.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Which is why, 14 seasons later, NBC’s gamble has become a sure bet.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • As if dating weren’t already enough of a gamble, a new trend has some men skipping their usual hygiene routines before meeting a prospective partner.
    Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Late in the second period, freshman Emma Yokoi avoided a flag pull on a short, fourth-and-1 reception and darted 21 yards for a touchdown to push Newport Harbor’s lead to 13-0.
    Dan Albano, Oc Register, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Golf carts dart around the island to drop guests at various outlets, but pathways are sandy, and there are steps to most of the restaurants, though beach rooms are all at floor level.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • First, the power goes out, leaving Bret wandering the halls as lights flicker around him.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026
  • When not pulled into their own circuits, this can cause a momentary flicker due to a voltage drop that affects the entire home.
    Bianca Lambert, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Flutter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flutter. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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