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
Staff Author, Parents, 5 May 2025
Midway through Donald Trump‘s 100-day interview with ABC’s Terry Moran, the president got flustered.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 29 Apr. 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 any other circumstance, I would have been flustered, embarrassed, and ready to drag her out of there and straight into a time-out.
—Staff Author, Parents, 5 May 2025
Midway through Donald Trump‘s 100-day interview with ABC’s Terry Moran, the president got flustered.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fluster
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fluster
Noun
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Although the frustration of supporters is shared internally, there is no sense of panic — which is unlikely to pacify fans understandably impatient for additions following three successive windows without a first-XI signing.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
3 July 2025
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In a recent case, a prior beef between two people led to gunshots inside Castleton Square Mall on Dec. 23 – prompting panic and an evacuation of the center on one of the busiest shopping days of the year.—
Sarah Nelson,
IndyStar,
2 July 2025
Noun
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The One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed by President Donald Trump last week contains dozens of complex tax and other provisions that have generated confusion and misinformation.—
Danielle Chemtob,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
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This leads to confusion and frustration when their air conditioning is unexpectedly limited.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
14 July 2025
Verb
-
SoCal embarrassed the Jekyll & Hyde Utah team, who were flying how but who lose easily to the near-last place Hard Eights for their only win of the weekend.—
Todd Boss,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
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Such an attack might embarrass Trump and spur him to make good on his threat in his address to the nation on Saturday evening to respond to Iran with even greater force.—
Uri Friedman,
The Atlantic,
23 June 2025
Noun
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Getty Images To date, the post has amassed more than 900 comments from TikTok viewers, many of them poking fun at the golden retriever mother's annoyed expression and shallow huffs.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 June 2025
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The chute opens, and rambunctious No. 2 bursts out with an impatient huff.—
Phillip Valys,
Sun Sentinel,
15 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Our parade in Fort Lauderdale was a fitting tribute to a great hockey team, while Trump’s embarrassment of a parade was a fitting tribute to a failed presidency.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
30 June 2025
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Indeed, President Trump will probably never appeal his executive order losses in lower courts to avoid the embarrassment of losing in the Supreme Court populated with three Trump appointees.—
Bruce Fein,
Baltimore Sun,
30 June 2025
Verb
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Amazon $650 Samsung $650 Best Buy Not to be confused with the Galaxy S24 series, this midrange smartphone from late 2024 has some elements of the flagship phone, but makes some sacrifices to get the price down.—
Simon Hill,
Wired News,
11 July 2025
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O’Brien says his critics might be confused because of the novelty of his approach.—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
10 July 2025
Noun
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So what’s all the fuss about a 51 year old when there are much older spirits about?—
Mark Littler,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
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More than 17,500 fans came out on a balmy 107-degree day in the desert to see what all the fuss was about.—
David Aldridge,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
Verb
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On a recent evening visit, Miller was rattled by the call of coyotes.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 July 2025
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The tariff threats have rattled Brazil's exporters.—
Carrie Kahn,
NPR,
10 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fluster.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fluster. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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