Thesaurus results for FLOTSAM

flotsam

noun

ˈflät-səm

Definition of flotsam

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 The flotsam and jetsam of other people’s lives. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 May 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 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 See All Example Sentences for flotsam

Recent Examples of Synonyms for flotsam

Noun

Nonetheless, the costs of intercepting incoming munitions could prove particularly high if targets are engaged over populated areas, with drones, defensive munitions and falling debris all posing risks to people and property on the ground.

— David Brennan, ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026
Photos and video shared on social media show debris thrown in the air and pummeling rain as a possible tornado touched down at Atlantic Beach on Long Island's outer barrier.

— CBS News, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of debris

Noun

Hope remained alive even after the key 48 to 72 hour window to find survivors beneath the rubble has long passed.

— ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
Earlier, rescuers in the port town of Maumere found 20 dead, six injured and two people trapped under rubble, said Fathur Rahman, head of the city's rescue agency.

— Reuters, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of rubble

Noun

Once removed by helicopter, the wreckage will likely have to be flown out on a cargo plane for examination.

— Irene Byon, NBC news, 21 Aug. 2026
Both troopers were initially trapped inside the helicopter wreckage, but the corporal was able to push out a window and help the trooper escape, Bivens said.

— Ayesha Ali, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of wreckage

Noun

A little under three miles away, the ruins of the original Strancally Castle date back much further, to the 12th century.

— Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 21 Aug. 2026
Take a walk around Baixa Chiado, marvel at the Santa Justa outdoor lift connecting the lower areas of the Baixa with the higher Carmo Square, and head to the ruins of an old church at Carmo Archaeological Museum.

— Ann Lee, TheWeek, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of ruins

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flotillas

flotsam

flounce

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“Flotsam.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flotsam. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of flotsam

noun

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