1
as in to flutter
to move or cause to move with a striking motion
started to flail his arms wildly when he spied a bat in the house
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2
as in to whip
to strike repeatedly with something long and thin or flexible
gruesome evidence that the prisoner had been flailed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of flail
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2024
At times this season, Newcastle United have fretted and flailed and fumed, usually at themselves and often within the space of a single 90 minutes, but as questions ferment around the club’s direction of travel, here at least is one source of constancy.
—George Caulkin, The Athletic, 19 Dec. 2024
Meanwhile, the Chargers (8-6) are flailing for the first time this season.
—Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2024
Spectators in the gallery cried and gasped, as Neely’s legs flailed about and then slowed down and stopped moving altogether before Penny released his hold on Neely’s neck and got up, fifty-one seconds later.
—Adam Iscoe, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for flail 
Verb
The owner didn't set him down right away, which only caused the dog to flail and kick his legs even more.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2024
At times this season, Newcastle United have fretted and flailed and fumed, usually at themselves and often within the space of a single 90 minutes, but as questions ferment around the club’s direction of travel, here at least is one source of constancy.
—George Caulkin, The Athletic, 19 Dec. 2024
Meanwhile, the Chargers (8-6) are flailing for the first time this season.
—Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2024
Spectators in the gallery cried and gasped, as Neely’s legs flailed about and then slowed down and stopped moving altogether before Penny released his hold on Neely’s neck and got up, fifty-one seconds later.
—Adam Iscoe, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for flail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flail
Verb
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Pulling the lever for Ann made my young Texan feminist heart flutter.—
Ilyse Hogue,
TIME,
21 Jan. 2025
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Native to areas of the Mediterranean such as Greece, Italy, Turkey, and Israel, this low-growing plant has delicate flowers that flutter on long stems above silvery or variegated leaves.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
15 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Today infernos whipped by a perfect storm of high winds and drought conditions hit the Western edges of the United States especially hard.—
Jennifer Jolly,
USA TODAY,
17 Jan. 2025
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As the fire came closer, whipped by strong winds barreling down the mountains, no ambulance appeared.—
Claire Fahy,
New York Times,
14 Jan. 2025
Noun
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This in turn opens up the music, changing it from a bludgeon to a balm.—
Stephen Kearse,
TIME,
8 Dec. 2024
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Conservatives have had it in for Chevron deference for a long time; given their current majority on the court, the doctrine’s death has been a foregone conclusion, awaiting only the appearance of a suitable case to use as a bludgeon.—
Michael Hiltzik,
Los Angeles Times,
2 July 2024
Verb
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This is more than believable as Barnes strings together seemingly simple movements — flapping a leg on repeat, spinning with freedom and force, snapping her fingers with glee — whipping from one direction to the next like a gale wind.—
Gia Kourlas,
New York Times,
10 Jan. 2025
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An occasional scything wind flapped the flags flying at half-staff.—
Laura King,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Asked about his identity and to provide authorization, Deng tried to hide his equipment and flee, prompting the officials to take him and his companions into custody.—
Kristen Waggoner,
Newsweek,
22 Jan. 2025
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The entrance is like a secret garden, a shrouded staircase that is trying its best to hide from the throngs of visitors looking for this exact type of postcard-perfect view.—
Brittany Spanos,
Rolling Stone,
21 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The shrinkage immediately became a proof point and cudgel taken up by the state’s chest-puffing detractors.—
Mark Z. Barabak,
The Mercury News,
21 Jan. 2025
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The letters may signal that the cudgels will be legal.—
Tim Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Boeing executives have already disclosed plans to slash 17,000 jobs and cut costs everywhere from company travel to corporate events.—
Fred Imbert,
CNBC,
26 Jan. 2025
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Climate activists who were targeted by hackers say the plot that U.S. officials have been trying to unravel was aimed at disrupting their efforts to fight climate change by pushing governments and society to slash the use of fossil fuels like oil and coal.—
Michael Copley,
NPR,
24 Jan. 2025
Noun
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High fructose corn syrup usage in the US has declined over the last two decades while table sugar, made from cane or beet, has been on the rise.—
Mark Dent,
thehustle.co,
10 Jan. 2025
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Fourth, crossing canes can become intertwined and obstruct quality blooms and new canes.—
Rita Perwich,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near flail
Cite this Entry
“Flail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flail. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
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