Definition of flotsamnext
as in debris
the portion or bits of something left over or behind after it has been destroyed the dispirited family picked through the flotsam of their possessions after the hurricane, looking for anything that could be salvaged

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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 flotsam Here in the famous Festival Theatre, the sprite Ariel, played in splendidly sprightly fashion by Marissa Orjalo, opens up the top of a piano, a piece of island flotsam and Prospero, in the form of the veteran actor Geraint Wyn Davies, shoves his coat inside, throws up his hands and closes the lid. Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026 The writer thinks that the person seducing the main character is just some flotsam, hardly worth a second look. Literary Hub, 26 June 2026 Crews remain onsite 24/7, monitoring the dam's condition and clearing flotsam from its gates. CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026 There’s a lot of trivia and bits and bobs of flotsam that get in there. Nick Hilden, Rolling Stone, 24 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flotsam
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flotsam
Noun
  • Nonetheless, the costs of intercepting incoming munitions could prove particularly high if targets are engaged over populated areas, with drones, defensive munitions and falling debris all posing risks to people and property on the ground.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Photos and video shared on social media show debris thrown in the air and pummeling rain as a possible tornado touched down at Atlantic Beach on Long Island's outer barrier.
    CBS News, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Rescuers have been combing through rubble from Friday’s attack on Kryvyi Rih, Zelensky’s hometown, which has been targeted multiple times during the four-year-war.
    Kosta Gak, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Emergency crews were at the scene and pulled people out from under the rubble.
    ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Once removed by helicopter, the wreckage will likely have to be flown out on a cargo plane for examination.
    Irene Byon, NBC news, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Both troopers were initially trapped inside the helicopter wreckage, but the corporal was able to push out a window and help the trooper escape, Bivens said.
    Ayesha Ali, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • A little under three miles away, the ruins of the original Strancally Castle date back much further, to the 12th century.
    Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Take a walk around Baixa Chiado, marvel at the Santa Justa outdoor lift connecting the lower areas of the Baixa with the higher Carmo Square, and head to the ruins of an old church at Carmo Archaeological Museum.
    Ann Lee, TheWeek, 19 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Flotsam.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flotsam. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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