Synonyms for

Butterfly

Verb / ˈbʌtɜ:ˌflaɪ / Another word for butterfly — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a flying insect with two pairs of large wings that are covered with tiny scales, typically brightly colored and found in warm regions.

Synonyms & similar words

mash romance butterflystroke coquet chatup philander coquette dally flirt moth insect flutterby caterpillar chrysalis pupa larva imago lepidopteran flitter flit flutter hover dance twirl whirl swirl float glide soar

Synonyms by register

Formal

lepidopteran insect

Informal

flutterby

Literary

winged jewel airy sprite painted moth

Antonyms

caterpillar larva pupa chrysalis grub worm

Common collocations

  • beautiful butterfly
  • monarch butterfly
  • swallowtail butterfly
  • butterfly effect
  • butterfly net
  • butterfly wings
  • butterfly migration
  • chase butterflies

Word family

noun butterfly
verb flutter

Usage note

While 'flutterby' is a charming poeticism, it is not a standard synonym and is rarely used in formal contexts. The word 'butterfly' itself can also be used metaphorically to describe a person who is flighty or changes their mind often.

Example sentences

  1. The butterfly flew from flower to flower.
  2. I saw a beautiful butterfly in the garden.
  3. The caterpillar turned into a butterfly.
  4. The butterfly had colorful wings.
  5. The butterfly fluttered around the garden.

Quotes

  • Just like the butterfly, I too will awaken in my own time.
  • Butterflies are self-propelled flowers.
  • Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp.

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