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
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
  1. panic
  2. confusion
  3. embarrass
  4. huff
  5. embarrassment
  6. confuse
  7. fuss
  8. rattle
Noun
  • According to the report, the lightning strike left beachgoers, swimmers and surfers in a panic, and many ran for their cars in the immediate aftermath.
    — Peter D'Abrosca, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2025
  • Steven was there for Conrad in that moment too, finding him on the beach hyperventilating and talking him out of the panic to distract him.
    — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 11 July 2025
Definition of panic
Noun
  • The move sparked anxiety, confusion and intense pushback from public school districts and advocates nationwide.
    — Rachel Wegner, The Tennessean, 27 July 2025
  • Anxious confusion creeps in when the Virgo moon triggers Uranus.
    — USA TODAY, USA Today, 26 July 2025
Definition of confusion
Verb
  • Manager Luis Enrique's side then embarrassed Inter Miami 4-0 in the round of 16 and survived two late red cards vs. Bayern Munich to win that quarterfinal battle 2-0. PSG vs. Real Madrid Injury, Suspension, Lineup News: Both teams will be missing key pieces along their back lines today.
    — Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
  • The Nuggets, like the current Rockies, were embarrassing themselves regularly before posting an 11-71 record.
    — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 5 July 2025
Definition of embarrass
Noun
  • 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
  • The chute opens, and rambunctious No. 2 bursts out with an impatient huff.
    — Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of huff
Noun
  • The event was widely viewed as an embarrassment for the administration.
    — Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 18 July 2025
  • But as George points out, embarrassment is one of the biggest barriers to getting on track.
    — Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Definition of embarrassment
Verb
  • Two people can deliver the same message, but their delivery style can make the difference between motivating and confusing a team.
    — Kendra MacDonald, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
  • Baun’s ability to play on the line of scrimmage allowed defensive coordinator Vic Fangio to shift the front with Baun moving from off-ball to edge or vice versa right before the snap, confusing the blocking assignments for the offense.
    — Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 23 July 2025
Definition of confuse
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of fuss
Verb
  • While the president is desperate for the Fed to cut interest rates, firing Powell before his term ends in eight months is no guarantee that rates would drop, and his departure would also likely rattle the financial markets.
    — Paul Weinstein Jr, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
  • Trump’s whiplash approach to threatening and imposing tariffs has at times rattled the markets.
    — Tara Suter, The Hill, 21 July 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 29 Jul. 2025.

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