as in fluttered
to move or cause to move with a striking motion
the stirring sight of a huge flock of geese flapping their wings
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of flapped
On the touchline, MacPhee flapped his arms in frustration.
—
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
23 June 2026
The jacket hugged every contour of your torso and never flapped in the wind.
—
The Editors,
Outside,
18 Mar. 2026
As is customary for the deaths of first responders, a gigantic American flag flapped from a crane outside the morgue.
—
Sam Charles,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Mar. 2026
Our boot laces were broken and knotted, our tattered and ice-caked pants flapped around our legs, and at night our wet clothing froze stiff.
—
Elwyn "bud" Myers,
Outdoor Life,
11 Mar. 2026
Verona almost won it in stoppage time but Kieron Bowie couldn’t keep his attempt on target after Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret flapped aimlessly at a cross.
—
ABC News,
28 Feb. 2026
A little way down the bank, a hoatzin flapped awkwardly in dense foliage.
—
Stanley Stewart,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Jan. 2026
Their wings, a bit weighted down by water, flapped as the float rolled.
—
Itzel Luna,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Jan. 2026
Moytoy flapped his lips fast like an engine.
—
Literary Hub,
21 Aug. 2025
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
23 June 2026
The jacket hugged every contour of your torso and never flapped in the wind.
—
The Editors,
Outside,
18 Mar. 2026
As is customary for the deaths of first responders, a gigantic American flag flapped from a crane outside the morgue.
—
Sam Charles,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Mar. 2026
Our boot laces were broken and knotted, our tattered and ice-caked pants flapped around our legs, and at night our wet clothing froze stiff.
—
Elwyn "bud" Myers,
Outdoor Life,
11 Mar. 2026
Verona almost won it in stoppage time but Kieron Bowie couldn’t keep his attempt on target after Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret flapped aimlessly at a cross.
—
ABC News,
28 Feb. 2026
A little way down the bank, a hoatzin flapped awkwardly in dense foliage.
—
Stanley Stewart,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Jan. 2026
Their wings, a bit weighted down by water, flapped as the float rolled.
—
Itzel Luna,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Jan. 2026
Moytoy flapped his lips fast like an engine.
—
Literary Hub,
21 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flapped
fluttered
Verb
-
Cassettes fluttered, CDs skipped, and choosing a dozen albums for a trip meant leaving dozens more behind.
-
Dozens of butterflies, likely variable checkerspots with hints of yellow and red on their wings, fluttered all around.
Cite this Entry
“Flapped.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flapped. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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