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 Here in the famous Festival Theatre, the sprite Ariel, played in splendidly sprightly fashion by Marissa Orjalo, opens up the top of a piano, a piece of island flotsam and Prospero, in the form of the veteran actor Geraint Wyn Davies, shoves his coat inside, throws up his hands and closes the lid. — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026 The writer thinks that the person seducing the main character is just some flotsam, hardly worth a second look. — Literary Hub, 26 June 2026 Crews remain onsite 24/7, monitoring the dam's condition and clearing flotsam from its gates. — CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026 There’s a lot of trivia and bits and bobs of flotsam that get in there. — Nick Hilden, Rolling Stone, 24 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flotsam
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flotsam
Noun
  • Avon Street remains closed from Merriman to Niagara Street as crews clear the roadway of debris.
    — Elle Meyers, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • However, throwing it back over the fence could create another dispute, particularly if doing so amounts to dumping debris on your neighbor’s property.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Hours later, a group of rescuers in hard hats were using poles stripped from trees to poke at the huge pile of rubble.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Some opening day effects are long gone, such as the illusion created by actual shifting doors at the start of the attraction, or visions of tumbling rubble near its beginning.
    — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • What remained was wreckage — twisted metal, pieces of the balloon — and the smell of something burned.
    — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The wreckage of a McLaren 720S involved in a deadly crash that killed two people in Irvine spontaneously ignited and caught fire last week inside a secure facility, Irvine police said in a statement.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Throughout the South, the people and movement calling itself the Confederacy lay in utter ruins.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Ancient ruins have stood the test of time because they are made of stone.
    — Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Flotsam.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flotsam. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.

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