jetsam

noun

Definition of jetsamnext
as in remnant

Related Words

Relevance

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 jetsam 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 Sure, when the pace got really fast, many of these people faded into the background and became the ride’s early flotsam and jetsam. — Frederick Dreier, Outside, 28 Sep. 2025 That Jia could make anything out of that flotsam and jetsam is astonishing, but his ability to not only recreate those time frames but craft all of it into a woozy, free-floating memory piece is miraculous. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 9 May 2025 Luke called the vultures back and reshot the scene with the jetsam of pestilence. — Michael Schulman, The New Yorker, 6 Nov. 2023 See All Example Sentences for jetsam
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jetsam
  1. remnant
  2. debris
  3. detritus
  4. flotsam
  5. rubble
  6. residue
  7. ruins
Noun
  • The remnants of the structure can best be seen from the Bridge of Angels, which leads to Castel Sant’ Angelo near Vatican City.
    — Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Archaeologists have uncovered tombs, theaters, baths, stadiums, and other remnants of the city, which was inhabited for more than 1,000 years.
    — Brittany Anas, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of remnant
Noun
  • Rojas has witnessed two people being pulled alive from the debris, as well as the recovery of bodies.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Photos of the outside cemetery show flooding and floating debris.
    — Dave Savini, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of debris
Noun
  • The dirty sea near the city often carried this kind of detritus to the shore.
    — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
  • In the next round of Count the Rice, the rice is mixed into a large box full of paper, styrofoam, and other detritus.
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 14 July 2026
Definition of detritus
Noun
  • And locals have grown frustrated by the town council’s focus on developing the seaside promenade while ignoring the flotsam townside right next to it.
    — George Francis Lee, New Yorker, 12 Aug. 2026
  • At the same time, the flotsam also contributes positively to the knowledge of the ocean system’s function, thereby presenting possibilities for its salvation.
    — Alexander Klose, Scientific American, 24 July 2026
Definition of flotsam
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
  • The resumption of Saudi exports could help ease tight supply of heavier grades that produce more residue fuel which ⁠can be used to refuel ships or processed further at refineries, to yield higher quality fuels such as gasoline and diesel.
    — August 18, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Sleeping on your stomach or side presses your face into a pillowcase full of oil, sweat and product residue, which can clog pores, cause breakouts and eventually contribute to wrinkles.
    — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of residue
Noun
  • The frantic search for survivors has long since yielded to the grim spectacle of excavators clearing ruins.
    — Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • For travelers, the designation puts a spotlight on a place where mythology isn't confined to museums and archaeological ruins.
    — Brittany Anas, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of ruins

Browse Nearby Words

jets
jetsam
jet set
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Jetsam.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jetsam. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of divulge

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

How to Pronounce the Trickiest Menu Items

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
image of a green cube out of place in a lineup of red spheres
Odd Word Out: Synonyms Vol. 2 Quiz Figure out which word isn't like the others.
See All