Definition of flotsamnext
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

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 flotsam There’s a lot of trivia and bits and bobs of flotsam that get in there. Nick Hilden, Rolling Stone, 24 Feb. 2026 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, 6 Feb. 2026 And the Heat’s supporting players at the moment are far better than the flotsam and jetsam that currently are with the Bucks. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2026 Through displaying the flotsam, Corinn Flaherty hopes to raise people’s awareness about marine pollution. David Chiu, PEOPLE, 25 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for flotsam
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flotsam
Noun
  • Last week, a group of about 50 residents rallied a block away from the warehouse and demanded the company clean up the debris from the fire and then pack up and leave.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • Still others tend the fleet already in orbit, refueling, relocating, and extending the life of satellites, and clearing the debris that crowded orbits leave behind.
    Charlotte Kiang, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
Noun
  • And, as the country and its people begin to piece together the full toll of the destruction amid the rubble, the notion of playing baseball seems absurd in the wake of such tragedy.
    Liana Handler Follow, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Residential buildings were badly damaged in the assault, leaving people trapped in multi-story apartment blocks and an entire family that was killed pulled from the rubble, while cars were seen burning on city streets.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Noun
  • Sift through the wreckage of the old plan for the pieces worth keeping, and be honest about which pieces are simply gone.
    Tim Albright, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • Various air and seaborne assets were employed by Pakistan Navy and the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) to locate the wreckage.
    Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 9 July 2026
Noun
  • Hikers pass Incan ruins, wide sweeping valleys and vibrant cloud forest before climbing to the route’s high point at Dead Woman’s Pass.
    Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 10 July 2026
  • Trekking company Ian Taylor Trekking calls it one of the best treks in the world on the company blog, noting that the ruins, passes and camp moments often outshine the final destination.
    Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Flotsam.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flotsam. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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