as in whips
to strike repeatedly with something long and thin or flexible
some medieval monks believed it was necessary to flagellate themselves in order to keep their desires in check
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flagellates
Verb
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The Dark Knight Rises (2012) Those of us who love her were able to finally take a breather on this one when the film bros eventually shut up and were able to admit that Hathaway totally whips ass in this franchise closer.—
Chris Feil,
Vulture,
1 May 2026 -
Canty is one of the coaches who whips students into shape.—
Terell Bailey,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Two-year-old Mala Audio Bar sets its cocktails to the crackle of vintage vinyl, while Konbini hides behind a grocery storefront, opening into a Colombian-Japanese speakeasy where disco and highballs collide amid a beautiful crowd.—
Allie Lazar,
Condé Nast Traveler,
6 May 2026
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More than 2,500 shoppers have given it a perfect rating, and reviewers appreciate that the lightweight formula hides dark circles — without settling into fine lines.—
Isabel Garcia,
PEOPLE,
6 May 2026
Verb
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Earlier in the film, Kenobi slashes off the arm of a creature who was known then as Walrus Man and is known now as Ponda Baba.—
Mike Ryan,
IndieWire,
4 May 2026
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Xefco claims the process slashes energy use by 90 percent, cuts emissions by up to 94 percent and produces zero wastewater.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Footwear News,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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While Dad is developing photos in his darkroom, Jeremy flicks on the lights.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
12 Apr. 2026
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In the video, the snake flicks its tongue, a common sensory behavior used to detect chemical cues in the air and identify nearby prey or potential predators.—
Jasmine Mendez
Follow,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Killer whales off New England The aquarium says killer whale sightings are uncommon in New England waters.—
Neal Riley,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The action switches between Mission Control and the lunar surface as the race against time builds.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
7 May 2026
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This 2-gallon watering can pulls double duty with a removable stainless steel shower head that switches between a gentle sprinkle for delicate plants and a steady stream for thirstier ones.—
Jill Layton,
PEOPLE,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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As Frances ascends in the art world, Avery flails financially and emotionally — and the nationwide Adderall shortage isn’t helping.—
Jennifer Maas,
Variety,
30 Apr. 2026
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Premiums are poised to rise next year as the party flails on whether to extend enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies.—
Burgess Everett,
semafor.com,
16 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Continue reading … LATE-NIGHT LAMENT — Colbert lashes out at CBS, says cancellation ‘reinforced a narrative’ of ‘knee bending’ to Trump.—
,
FOXNews.com,
7 May 2026
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Trump lashes out at NATO and the Pope, again.—
Jim Edwards,
Fortune,
15 Apr. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Flagellates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flagellates. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
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