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Achilles' heels

noun

plural of Achilles' heel
as in soft spots
a vulnerable point the food supply proved to be the nation's Achilles' heel in its defense against terrorist attacks

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for Achilles' heels
  1. soft spots
  2. backs
Noun
  • Avoid using onions with any soft spots, sprouts, or signs of decay or discoloration.
    — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Fagnano was able to diagnose some of the disguises from Minnesota defensive coordinator Brian Flores, finding soft spots in zone coverages both in the short and intermediate areas of the field.
    — Daniel Popper, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of soft spots
Noun
  • Nothing is set in stone, but volume remains king for fantasy running backs.
    — Jonathan Rubin, Charlotte Observer, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Carrick started with two young centre-backs in Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven, and the pair looked nervous against their opponents’ physicality.
    — Chris McKenna, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of backs
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.

Browse Nearby Words

Achilles' heel
Achilles' heels
aching
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Cite this Entry

“Achilles' heels.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/Achilles%27%20heels. Accessed 18 Sep. 2026.

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