flank 1 of 2

noun

ˈflaŋk How to pronounce flank (audio)
Definition of flanknext
as in side
a place, space, or direction away from or beyond a central point or line painted the name of the ship along its flank

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

flank

2 of 2

verb

as in to join
to be adjacent to the guards flank the center on a football team's offensive line

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 flank
Noun
El-Sayed boasts support from the left flank of the Democratic Party while Stevens touts endorsements from more moderate Democrats. — Clara Hendrickson, Freep.com, 19 July 2026 Marc Cucurella and Pedro Porro have stretched defenses from the flanks, while Lamine Yamal has confused them with his trickery. — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 18 July 2026
Verb
For as much as Americans love grilling, from burgers to hot dogs and beyond, the actual act of grilling has long been flanked by numerous elements that are not exactly ideal. — William Jones, USA Today, 20 July 2026 Also of note are built-ins with shelving and storage cabinets that flank the fireplace. — James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for flank
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flank
  1. side
  2. join
  3. adjoin
  4. surround
  5. touch
  6. neighbor
Noun
  • One had to undergo emergency surgery to combat a life-threatening infection; the other required a surgeon to reconstruct the left side of her face, which had become paralyzed.
    — Ella Moore July 23, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026
  • Barbara Rainey, a Cherry resident of 76 years, said a school bus hit her cousin’s car while trying to squeeze between vehicles parked on either side.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026
Definition of side
Verb
  • Fraser Millward is familiar with both venues, having left a 20-year career in London’s theater and live events industry in 2021 to join the organization that runs Aviva, Factory International, as a technician.
    — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • Even for those in the financial ‘elite’ that Newcastle hope to join soon, vast transfer spending has rendered sales increasingly integral.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 18 July 2026
Definition of join
Verb
  • Then, another 20-year-old man, Daktari Rose Deacon, of Hyde Park, left a bathroom that adjoined the bedroom, according to police, who searched the bathroom and found another loaded firearm with an extended magazine.
    — Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 20 July 2026
  • The principal gathering spaces include a great room and adjoining dining room, where a lengthy table is made of trees cleared from the property during construction.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 13 July 2026
Definition of adjoin
Verb
  • Bone must be separated from surrounding rock millimeter by millimeter with a pneumatic chisel, whose needle gently breaks away rock while ultraviolet light reveals where the bone ends and the surrounding rock begins.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026
  • The real estate firm looks at office markets in Charlotte and the surrounding suburbs.
    — Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 22 July 2026
Definition of surround
Verb
  • The president of the Goldhirsh-Yellin foundation touched on the pair’s love for each other and the world around them.
    — Caroline Zimmerman July 17, Kansas City Star, 18 July 2026
  • The insect naturally turns away when an antenna touches an obstacle.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 July 2026
Definition of touch
Verb
  • Her family has been struggling after her husband lost his job as a motorcycle rider and crossed the border into neighboring Niger to look for work.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 July 2026
  • Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge and the Alvord Desert in neighboring Harney County are two nice spots, but any place away from lights and with clear views will do.
    — Zoe Baillargeon, Travel + Leisure, 18 July 2026
Definition of neighbor

Browse Nearby Words

flammable
flank
flanked
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Cite this Entry

“Flank.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flank. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on flank

Nglish: Translation of flank for Spanish Speakers

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