1
as in to flutter
to move or cause to move with a striking motion
started to flail his arms wildly when he spied a bat in the house
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2
as in to whip
to strike repeatedly with something long and thin or flexible
gruesome evidence that the prisoner had been flailed
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of flail
Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 31 May 2025
Regardless, Nesmith flailed his arms, turning his back to the play, while Brunson continued his drive.
—Eric Koreen, New York Times, 30 May 2025
The opening moments cement its tonal dissonance as, with a twang of Daniel Kowalski’s spare, uneasy score, a brief prologue with fire, a flailing figure and mutterings about Satan snaps to a far more banal view of an empty street lined with dim, shuttered houses under a low, gray sky.
—Jessica Kiang, Variety, 30 May 2025
Some version of flailing arms or bicycling legs comes to mind, like in the cartoons.
—Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for flail
Verb
At the forefront of voters’ minds is the country’s flailing economy and rising cost of living.
—Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 31 May 2025
Regardless, Nesmith flailed his arms, turning his back to the play, while Brunson continued his drive.
—Eric Koreen, New York Times, 30 May 2025
The opening moments cement its tonal dissonance as, with a twang of Daniel Kowalski’s spare, uneasy score, a brief prologue with fire, a flailing figure and mutterings about Satan snaps to a far more banal view of an empty street lined with dim, shuttered houses under a low, gray sky.
—Jessica Kiang, Variety, 30 May 2025
Some version of flailing arms or bicycling legs comes to mind, like in the cartoons.
—Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for flail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flail
Verb
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The card features drawings of flying birds, floating feathers, shooting stars, fluttering butterflies and rowing gondoliers.—
Ashlyn Robinette,
People.com,
24 June 2025
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Outside of quintessential Southern porch staples, nature adds an idyllic experience to the outdoors, especially the presence of hummingbirds with their gracefully fluttering wings and gentle humming sound.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
13 June 2025
Verb
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The San Diego native whipped a low cross into the box, which both Adriana Leon and Ascanio narrowly missed.—
Fernando Ramirez,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 June 2025
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Chelsea took the lead on 13 minutes when Neto raced away from deep inside the Flamengo half and opened his body before whipping the ball past Agustin Rossi.—
Liam Twomey,
New York Times,
20 June 2025
Noun
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When the Republican Charles Sumner was struck down by a Southerner on the Senate floor, Raymond’s paper called for armed resistance by pistol, bludgeon, and bowie knife, if necessary.—
Matthew Karp,
Harpers Magazine,
29 Apr. 2025
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Todd Golden could cycle body after body in the paint to bludgeon opponents and wear them down over 40 minutes, and Condon and Rueben Chinyelu, the Gators’ two starters, were crucial parts of that rotation.—
Jim Root,
New York Times,
2 May 2025
Verb
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The moths were still able to flap their wings freely and turn in different directions.—
Sarah Kuta,
Smithsonian Magazine,
23 June 2025
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The vinyl rain gutter sagged and melted, its plastic material flapping in the wind like a flag, and the window shattered shortly after, letting the flames enter the interior.—
Jack Flemming,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2025
Verb
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Weathered and bumpy, the wall hidden among the surplus clothing stores of the Fashion District was hardly the perfect canvas.—
Hannah Fry,
Los Angeles Times,
26 June 2025
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Transparency is another issue: Pricing for procedures varies wildly and is often hidden until the bill arrives.—
Paulina Wierzbicka,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
Noun
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But the vote every few years becomes a cudgel against members of the governing party because approval contributes to the appearance of unbridled spending.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
5 June 2025
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Those kinds of broadsides could be a particularly powerful cudgel against Trump just five months into his second term.—
Josh Meyer,
USA Today,
7 June 2025
Verb
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Last November, the company set plans to slash 25 percent of head office staff, around 85 roles, as part of the same efficiency drive.—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
20 June 2025
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This can slash down response times and aid agents because they won’t get bogged down by simple, repetitive requests.—
Nataliia Onyshkevych,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
Noun
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The interiors were inspired by its serene setting in the Serengeti and showcase African art, a neutral color palette, and natural textures, such as linen, clay, grass, and cane.—
Regan Stephens,
Travel + Leisure,
23 June 2025
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Black spot spores can overwinter on rose canes and leaves.—
Rita Perwich,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Flail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flail. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
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