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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of flapped
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
But Chelsea — and Garnacho — responded again, the Argentina international reducing the arrears again after some Kepa had flapped at a cross.
—Simon Johnson, New York Times, 14 Jan. 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
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
But Chelsea — and Garnacho — responded again, the Argentina international reducing the arrears again after some Kepa had flapped at a cross.
—Simon Johnson, New York Times, 14 Jan. 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
-
Stars forward Arttu Hyry had what appeared to be a wide-open look at a tying goal in the slot, but misfired as the puck fluttered over the net.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 Apr. 2026
-
As Ember brushed past to turn on the lamp, one of the sheets came unstuck and fluttered out into the hallway, caught in her slight draft.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Flapped.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flapped. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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