as in debris
the portion or bits of something left over or behind after it has been destroyed
the dispirited family picked through the flotsam of their possessions after the hurricane, looking for anything that could be salvaged
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of flotsam
Jupiter’s location in the path of the Gulf Stream means there’s a constant flow of tropical water that improves the ocean’s clarity and visibility by carrying out any algae, flotsam, or runoff that accumulates.
—
Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2025
On the bright side, flotsam from shipwrecks could bring pleasant surprises, such as unexpected treasure – a turning point in many ancient Greek stories.
—Marie-Claire Beaulieu, The Conversation, 28 July 2025
The Owl sensor is designed to detect, track and characterize objects in orbit — including satellites, debris and other space flotsam — from long distances to support SDA initiatives.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 25 July 2025
Your business isn’t a piece of flotsam driven by random forces.
—Meredith Moore, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for flotsam
Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2025
On the bright side, flotsam from shipwrecks could bring pleasant surprises, such as unexpected treasure – a turning point in many ancient Greek stories.
—Marie-Claire Beaulieu, The Conversation, 28 July 2025
The Owl sensor is designed to detect, track and characterize objects in orbit — including satellites, debris and other space flotsam — from long distances to support SDA initiatives.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 25 July 2025
Your business isn’t a piece of flotsam driven by random forces.
—Meredith Moore, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for flotsam
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flotsam
Noun
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There’s a lot of stuff in the ocean, and marine debris tends to aggregate in the same places as does the whale sharks’ primary prey.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
24 Oct. 2025
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Next, vacuum the filter using a soft-bristle brush attachment to remove the bulk of the dust and debris buildup.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
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There, heaped into a sad pile of rubble, is a part of the world’s most recognizable structures, one that’s been etched into our minds via many film and TV series that recreated the homebase for fictional political dynasties and presidents.—
Kevin Dolak,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Oct. 2025
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Thousands of Palestinians are believed to be buried under the rubble.—
Ibrahim Dahman,
CNN Money,
27 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The crash closed most of the westbound lanes of busy Interstate 10 in Ontario for several hours as CHP and crews investigated the wreck and cleared away wreckage.—
Darrell Smith,
Sacbee.com,
23 Oct. 2025
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Earlier this year, Miley Cyrus reflected on the wreckage and destruction caused by the fires that devastated multiple areas of Los Angeles.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
22 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Will there be future fairy tales about birds whose feathers glow in the dark nesting in the ruins of primitive power plants of past ages?—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
22 Oct. 2025
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Teenagers can only take so many historical facts or visits to ancient ruins and notable churches.—
Beth Luberecki,
USA Today,
21 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Flotsam.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flotsam. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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