fluster 1 of 2

noun

Definition of flusternext
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

fluster

2 of 2

verb

ˈflə-stər How to pronounce fluster (audio)
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

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb fluster contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of fluster are agitate, discompose, disquiet, disturb, perturb, and upset. While all these words mean "to destroy capacity for collected thought or decisive action," fluster suggests bewildered agitation.

his declaration of love completely flustered her

When might agitate be a better fit than fluster?

The words agitate and fluster can be used in similar contexts, but agitate suggests obvious external signs of nervous or emotional excitement.

in his agitated state we could see he was unable to work

When would discompose be a good substitute for fluster?

While in some cases nearly identical to fluster, discompose implies some degree of loss of self-control or self-confidence especially through emotional stress.

discomposed by the loss of his beloved wife

When could disquiet be used to replace fluster?

The synonyms disquiet and fluster are sometimes interchangeable, but disquiet suggests loss of sense of security or peace of mind.

the disquieting news of factories closing

When can disturb be used instead of fluster?

In some situations, the words disturb and fluster are roughly equivalent. However, disturb implies interference with one's mental processes caused by worry, perplexity, or interruption.

the discrepancy in accounts disturbed me

In what contexts can perturb take the place of fluster?

Although the words perturb and fluster have much in common, perturb implies deep disturbance of mind and emotions.

perturbed by her husband's strange behavior

When is upset a more appropriate choice than fluster?

While the synonyms upset and fluster are close in meaning, upset implies the disturbance of normal or habitual functioning by disappointment, distress, or grief.

the family's constant bickering upsets the youngest child

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 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
If someone isn’t flustered by [nontraditional interview questions] and can have really strategic and thoughtful conversations ... —Megan Sauer, CNBC, 3 Feb. 2025 In the playoffs, Spagnuolo dialed up a signature blitz that left Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo flustered. —Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 3 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fluster
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fluster
  1. panic
  2. confusion
  3. embarrass
  4. huff
  5. embarrassment
  6. confuse
  7. fuss
  8. rattle
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of panic
Noun
  • In other words, bills still need to be paid no matter the confusion of politicians eager to distort the pricing mechanism that organizes the market economy.
    — John Tamny, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • But, Zach Pozniak, chief operating officer of Jeeves NY and co-author of The Laundry Book, is here to clear the confusion.
    — Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of confusion
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
  • 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
Definition of embarrass
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
Definition of huff
Noun
  • Court records show that CGV was keen to avoid embarrassment associated with the deal.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 31 Mar. 2025
  • The term had the slightly kitschy flavor of other Cold War embarrassments—C.I.A. spy cats and Reds-under-the-bed paranoia.
    — Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of embarrassment
Verb
  • No one was going to confuse Colossal with the Sierra Club.
    — D. T. Max, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Let go of a common misconception Some parents worry that teaching their child multiple languages will set them back or confuse them.
    — Julia Furlan, NPR, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of confuse
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of fuss
Verb
  • Read More: Detentions of Tourists and Visa-Holders Fuel Anxiety About Travel to U.S. Neighbors said they were left rattled by the arrest, which played out at 5:30 p.m. on a residential block.
    — JAKE OFFENHARTZ, Time, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Shifting government policies are adversely impacting business, rattling financial markets, and disrupting supply chains.
    — Mark A. Cohen, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
Definition of rattle

Browse Nearby Words

flushness
fluster
flustered
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Cite this Entry

“Fluster.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fluster. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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