flail

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Such small fry could easily flail or fail.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

Gobert was initially assessed a common foul, but officials ruled it a flagrant after a review, saying he made an "unnecessary flail" with his arm.

From Barron's • Feb. 21, 2026

Particularly in comedy, we want to see our characters get into jams for the pleasure of watching them wildly flail about trying to get out of them.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 27, 2025

It cultivates urgency, but only in a directionless flail.

From Slate • Jul. 22, 2024

“He could not hold the flail rightly and Ching would show him...”

From "The Good Earth" by Pearl S. Buck