as in side
a place, space, or direction away from or beyond a central point or line
painted the name of the ship along its flank
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to join
to be adjacent to
the guards flank the center on a football team's offensive line
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 flank
Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
Because Bayshore Drive and the land to its east consists of fill added at the foot of the bluff, the rocky ridge today sits along the west flank of the scenic, historic road.
—Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 14 Jan. 2025
Brian Bennett, TIME, 15 Jan. 2025
Expect an explosion of red, from the velvet curtains and leather sofas to the cherry sun loungers and umbrellas that flank the hotel’s outdoor swimming pool, where a larger-than-life crown forms the central fountain.
—Michaela Trimble, Vogue, 12 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for flank 
Noun
Raphinha is currently in the form of his life in that area of the pitch, but his natural berth is on the opposite flank.
—Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
Because Bayshore Drive and the land to its east consists of fill added at the foot of the bluff, the rocky ridge today sits along the west flank of the scenic, historic road.
—Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 14 Jan. 2025
Verb
Hamas and its allied militant groups are expected to release 33 hostages seized from Israel during the attacks of October 7, 2023, Biden announced Wednesday, flanked by Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
—Brian Bennett, TIME, 15 Jan. 2025
Expect an explosion of red, from the velvet curtains and leather sofas to the cherry sun loungers and umbrellas that flank the hotel’s outdoor swimming pool, where a larger-than-life crown forms the central fountain.
—Michaela Trimble, Vogue, 12 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for flank
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flank
Noun
-
With all that, all sides have long admitted that there had been extensive discussions with WBTV and Wells with the Crichton estate over putting together an ER sequel of sorts.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
30 Jan. 2025
-
Even though the bibs are fully waterproof, you’ll be properly ventilated thanks to the side vents.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
30 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
One-quarter of Republican caucus joins Democrats to oppose Democrats decried the resolution, noting its anti-LGBTQ+ stance could harm gay Idahoans.—
Ian Max Stevenson,
Idaho Statesman,
27 Jan. 2025
-
On my first day embedded with the firefighting company—day six of the fire—I’d joined a separate crew that drove north from camp, following a twisty highway uphill for an hour.—
M. R. O’Connor,
The New Yorker,
27 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Mootz Pizzeria opened its Side Hustle Lounge, adjoining the popular downtown pizza spot.—
Susan Selasky,
Detroit Free Press,
31 Dec. 2024
-
Some shots flew into a next-door neighbor’s adjoining apartment.—
Dylan Lovan,
The Christian Science Monitor,
4 Nov. 2024
Verb
-
Any woman who has been inappropriately touched in the workplace will recognize Ms. Lively’s discomfort.—
Christina Dugan Ramirez,
Fox News,
26 Jan. 2025
-
The police chief touched the gun and his wife’s body shortly after the shot was fired.—
Ariane Lange,
Sacramento Bee,
26 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
The clip shows a handful of guests starting to surround a large fish flopping on the floor outside of two display tanks, each approximately 6 feet tall, after falling out of one of the tanks.—
Darrell Smith,
Sacramento Bee,
31 Jan. 2025
-
The development highlights the fragile nature of the truce and the high-stakes negotiations surrounding the remaining hostages.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
31 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
However, the Indiana-Illinois border discussion isn’t the first time in recent history that a part of a current state has expressed interest in joining a neighboring state, Helmke said.—
Alexandra Kukulka,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Jan. 2025
-
While Los Angeles County continues to grapple with a deadly outbreak of wildfires, a new blaze broke out in neighboring Ventura County Monday night.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA TODAY,
15 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near flank
Cite this Entry
“Flank.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flank. Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share