flanking 1 of 3

Definition of flankingnext

flanking

2 of 3

noun

flanking

3 of 3

verb

present participle of flank

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 flanking
Noun
But Earth appears to have been struck by a far flanking edge of the storm, meaning most of the magnetic cloud likely missed our planet, according to an update from the center. Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 12 Nov. 2025 So at this time our forecast still holds but, as mentioned, with a low level of confidence for a grazing or flanking edge effect from the CME passages. Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
The new Calibre 1150 was designed using 3-D modeling such that nearly all functions are easily engaged and adjusted via three pushers fitted within and flanking the crown, while all calendar functions are displayed via dedicated apertures in order to minimize visual clutter. Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 2026 Along the route, my father would point in disgust at the large Olympic-torch flames dotting the horizon and rising above the acres of palm trees flanking the highway. Noo Saro-Wiwa, The Dial, 24 Mar. 2026 For much of the season’s first three months, the 30-year-old Dane spent time flanking Sebastian Aho on the top line or teamed up with second-year forwards Logan Stankoven and Jackson Blake. Cory Lavalette, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2026 There’s a ladies’ and a gentlemen’s flanking the stairwell on this upper entry level, each outfitted with a cold plunge, sauna, steam room, and showers inside and out. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Mar. 2026 Nearly Natural Artificial Boxwood Spiral Topiary Tree Potted faux shrubs add height and interest to your porch, and a pair of topiaries flanking the front door or steps welcomes guests in style. Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 26 Feb. 2026 There are no Roomba-like machines flanking the stone, frantically brushing to extend its travel or hold its line. IEEE Spectrum, 18 Feb. 2026 Prompting that delay was beachcomber Jacob Bridgeman, who failed to cleanly hit off the shoreline flanking the 18th green en route to bogey. Cam Inman, Mercury News, 16 Feb. 2026 If the biggest stars in baseball are Japanese, South Korean or Latin American, think harder about flanking strategies that go around the NFL’s traditional reliance on North Americans. Rick Burton, Sportico.com, 11 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flanking
Adjective
  • An adjacent segment is fully funded and needs to be built.
    Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
  • The council and planning commission discussed establishing standards for massing for multi-family housing and determining the maximum height of buildings adjacent to single-family homes to quell residents’ concerns about privacy and building bulk.
    Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 5 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Recent acoustical changes to the ever-challenging Houston hall have even yielded more sonic presence, warmth and envelopment.
    Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 3 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • As part of the deal, TSG must pay for the demolition of the stables, grandstand and adjoining structures.
    John Cherwa, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026
  • In a Reddit thread discussing adjoining rooms on cruises, one user described constant disruptions from neighboring guests.
    Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Caracas Bakery will be open on the first floor during the day for breakfast and lunch, in a comfortable and relaxed setting that’s somewhat less intimidating than its neighboring luxury restaurant.
    Connie Ogle April 8, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Tehran has continued strikes on economic and infrastructure targets in the neighboring Gulf region, including Kuwait's oil headquarters.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 6 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • After Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Orbán frequently used his veto power to stymie efforts to support Kyiv and sanction Moscow.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 Apr. 2026
  • After Brexit, the coronavirus pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the relentless impact of the climate crisis, this is just the latest turbulence to batter the machinery of global trade.
    Alexander Smith, NBC news, 6 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Before joining the Administration, Rogers practiced as a First Amendment lawyer whose clients included Charlie Kirk and Douglass Mackey, an alt-right meme poster who had been convicted of voter suppression, a charge that was later overturned.
    Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
  • None of this even includes Rahm’s reported $300million to $400m signing bonus for joining LIV from the PGA Tour in the first place in December 2023.
    Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Lebanon’s fragile sovereignty The lack of resolved borders and Israel’s periodic incursions into southern Lebanon have predictably meant that Lebanon has struggled to assert sovereignty over its own territory.
    Mireille Rebeiz, The Conversation, 8 Apr. 2026
  • The disclosure is the latest of several cybersecurity incursions targeting public agencies in Los Angeles.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The resort also supports the South Caicos Heritage Foundation, which protects surrounding coral reefs and often spearheads community clean-up initiatives.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Asia-Pacific markets whipsawed in volatile trading on Tuesday, with major indices flipping to losses in the morning session, as uncertainty surrounding the war weighs on investor sentiment.
    Hugh Leask,Joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Flanking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flanking. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on flanking

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster