variants
or phalanges
as in groups
formal
a large collection of people, animals, or things often placed close together
A solid phalanx of armed guards stood in front of the castle. She had to go through a phalanx of television cameras.
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Recent Examples of phalanxes
Jennifer Lawrence, who recently accessorized her black-and-white Lii dress with a slew of silver rings across her phalanges.
—
Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 19 Nov. 2025
In earlier times, ungulate toe-bones (phalanges) were commonly used across various cultures to make ornaments, game pieces, handles, and figurines.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2025
The further out one is known as the interphalangeal joint because your toe has two bones, the distal and the proximal phalanges.
—Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 19 Nov. 2025
In earlier times, ungulate toe-bones (phalanges) were commonly used across various cultures to make ornaments, game pieces, handles, and figurines.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2025
The further out one is known as the interphalangeal joint because your toe has two bones, the distal and the proximal phalanges.
—Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phalanxes
Noun
-
His June assault on Iran’s nuclear facilities had two carrier groups in the region, more there as a counter-weight to any Iranian reprisals than to be directly involved in the attack.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
31 Jan. 2026
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In the event of a counter-protest, police can separate the two groups — as long as the groups can still see and hear each other.—
Marina Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
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According to the Defense official, the Army plans to ramp up training over the next year, eventually sending in platoons of some 40 soldiers at a time to train.—
Anne Flaherty,
ABC News,
10 Nov. 2025
-
The white officers in the 24 companies overseeing the volunteer platoons were also initially skeptical.—
Time,
Time,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
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According to sources, confronting the unit directly would require the simultaneous deployment of at least four army brigades.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
6 Jan. 2026
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The army has purchased 92 T-72B1 tanks and 123 BMP-3 armored personnel carriers from Russia, which equip the armored brigades alongside 81 AMX-30 tanks previously acquired from France.—
Germán Padinger,
CNN Money,
31 Dec. 2025
Noun
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For example, of 11 S&P 500 sectors – groupings of stocks according to industry and function – three are reporting an increase in net profit margin in the final three months of 2025 compared to the fourth quarter 2024.—
Andrea Riquier,
USA Today,
1 Feb. 2026
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With five defensive backs on the field most of the time, Patterson’s scheme is intended to adjust to any offense, allowing for his defense to limit substitutions and match up against most personnel groupings.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The disruptions can cause degradation or signal loss in high-frequency communication bands across the side of the Earth facing the Sun.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
3 Feb. 2026
-
Locally heavy snowfall in bands.—
David Ferrara,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
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These systems help ensure steady supplies for semiconductors, batteries and advanced manufacturing when trade restrictions, export controls or price shocks strain primary sources — allowing companies to manage costs and stay competitive.—
Kristen Edgreen Kaufman,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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Mining for nickel, ironically a key component in eco-friendly EV batteries, caused significant sedimentation in Raja Ampat until the Indonesian government revoked most mining licences in mid-2025.—
Tristan Rutherford,
Robb Report,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
However, proto-clusters, or still-forming galaxy clusters, appear far earlier.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
2 Feb. 2026
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To create the most impactful small flower bed, pinpoint a few key areas in your front yard and plant clusters of perennials rather than attempting to fill entire garden beds, says Janney.—
Michelle Mastro,
Martha Stewart,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The previous Super Bowl between those two teams is regarded as one of the best ever.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
31 Jan. 2026
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Even the championship teams didn’t win in Omaha, but last year the Huskies broke through in large part due to a 38-point effort from Liam McNeeley.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
31 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Phalanxes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phalanxes. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.
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