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
Investigating the Tracks' Origins In the study, the researchers assessed the viability of other potential explanations for the lines, including non-human animals, flotsam, the keel of ancient boats, and firewood.
—
Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 25 Feb. 2025
The role will give him access to vast amounts of highly sensitive intelligence, as well as the daily flotsam of rumor, speculation and false accusations that F.B.I. agents receive from informants and the public.
—Devlin Barrett, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025
The Lyles family, meanwhile, remained scattered, rendered flotsam of the American slave system.
—Robert Colby, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Feb. 2025
But that pick should be something the Kings can leverage, along with the second-round selections in some trade flotsam down the road.
—Chris Biderman, Sacramento Bee, 4 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for flotsam
Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 25 Feb. 2025
The role will give him access to vast amounts of highly sensitive intelligence, as well as the daily flotsam of rumor, speculation and false accusations that F.B.I. agents receive from informants and the public.
—Devlin Barrett, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025
The Lyles family, meanwhile, remained scattered, rendered flotsam of the American slave system.
—Robert Colby, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Feb. 2025
But that pick should be something the Kings can leverage, along with the second-round selections in some trade flotsam down the road.
—Chris Biderman, Sacramento Bee, 4 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for flotsam
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flotsam
Noun
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In February 2025, officials noted that although Lake James is safe for swimming and boating in the summer 2025 season, boaters need to take extra caution with remaining debris in the water after Hurricane Helene.—
Melissa Oyler,
Charlotte Observer,
22 May 2025
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On both occasions, the rocket's upper stage shut down its engines prematurely and the vehicle lost control, breaking apart in the upper atmosphere and spreading debris near the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands.—
John Timmer,
ArsTechnica,
22 May 2025
Noun
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How '9-1-1' moves on after Bobby's death: Tears, anger, and surprise returns Angela Bassett thought her '9-1-1' character would be killed off In the laundry room, Athena finds Donnie and Graham trapped under rubble.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
16 May 2025
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Neighbor Derek Keating ran into the home and attempted to rescue his neighbor, who was trapped under the rubble as gas was leaking.—
Michael Dorgan,
FOXNews.com,
21 May 2025
Noun
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Sparks fly from the wreckage like shooting stars falling from heaven.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
20 May 2025
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Kyffin Simpson flipped over during Fast Friday, with Colton Herta went airborne during Saturday's qualifying. 2025 INDY 500 ODDS: KYLE LARSON DROPS ON BOARD AFTER QUALIFYING 21ST McLaughlin was able to emerge from the wreckage and appeared to avoid any major injuries.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
18 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Flotsam.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flotsam. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
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