as in adjacent
having a border in common
flanking farms that share the same water source
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in envelopment
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
as in adjoining
to be adjacent to
the guards flank the center on a football team's offensive line
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of flanking
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
Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2026
Two matching planters flanking the front door create symmetry that anchors the whole look.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 14 Apr. 2026
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
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
Bieber had stepped onto a smaller stage, more sharply circular than the first, and two acoustic guitarists came to sit on either side of him, flanking him like twin cherubs attentive at their harps.
—Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2026
Two matching planters flanking the front door create symmetry that anchors the whole look.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 14 Apr. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flanking
Adjective
-
French doors lead to the gardens and stone walls at the rear of the Mansion, while a butler’s pantry and dry bar, with its extensive additional cabinetry, are adjacent to the kitchen.—
James Alexander,
Hartford Courant,
19 Apr. 2026
-
But part of the deal involves the purchase of the adjacent Blue Cross and Blue Shield building (to be demolished) along with its parking.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
19 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
-
Extend a small bedroom When confronted with a room adjoining a small patio space, try combining them!—
Rachel Davies,
Architectural Digest,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Among the bottles on Avra Madison’s list is Anseillan, a wine from the estate adjoining Château Lafite Rothschild, which is owned by DBR Lafite and is made by the same team.—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The son jumped from the roof of the home to a neighboring building, where he was rescued by firefighters on a ladder truck, Cruz said.—
Mike Darnay,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
-
The aid group also helps deportees returned from the neighboring Dominican Republic and the Caribbean, which are adding to the strain.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
14 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In the mid-890s, Formosus supported King Arnulf, the leader of the Franks, in his invasion of Italy, then crowned Arnulf Roman Emperor—despite there already being a Roman Emperor.—
Jane Bua,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
-
There are also two arrests on his rap sheet for first-degree home invasion in Michigan.—
Corky Siemaszko,
NBC news,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Consider joining a support group to help with coping strategies.—
Helen Dennis,
Daily News,
19 Apr. 2026
-
Ultrawealthy buyers increasingly bypass the open market, instead joining developers’ private waitlists months or years in advance before a home even breaks ground.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
19 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The staggering human toll in Gaza, ongoing West Bank settlement expansion, another incursion into Lebanon, and a darkening war with Iran eroded support among younger Americans—even as Washington remains Israel’s indispensable security partner.—
Ian Bremmer,
Time,
15 Apr. 2026
-
More than anything, there was just noise, ramped up further as Arsenal started on the front foot, forcing Sporting into early errors and making a couple of promising incursions into the box.—
Jack Lang,
New York Times,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Chavez-DeRemer’s departure came as several controversies were surrounding her, her office and her family members.—
Jared Gans,
The Hill,
21 Apr. 2026
-
The surrounding counties' mass transit systems are also putting on special runs either into the city or to connecting points with PRT, all focused on getting you to the ideal draft location.—
John Shumway,
CBS News,
20 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Flanking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flanking. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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