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
  • Papayas that are mostly green are not ripe, while those with many soft spots or darker, shriveled skin are overripe or spoiled.
    — Sherri Gordon, Health, 2 Aug. 2026
  • There tend to be soft spots in the schedule, and early weekdays are always slow, anyhow.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 2026
Definition of soft spots
Noun
  • But the curve seems to settle at around 33, where even the most experienced of centre-backs lose appeal due to a drop-off in their physical capabilities and pace.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • There have been some amazing backs at San Diego State, but my main goal is to get wins.
    — Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Aug. 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 14 Aug. 2026.

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