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
  • Bubbling paint or soft spots in drywall are signs that water has already made its way inside.
    — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 13 July 2026
  • Avoid pineapples with soft spots, mold, or a fermented smell.
    — Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 3 July 2026
Definition of soft spots
Noun
  • Elsewhere in defence, Liverpool will have their two senior left-backs — Milos Kerkez and Kostas Tsimikas — available, which may limit the opportunities for Luke Chambers (22) and Calum Scanlon (21).
    — Andy Jones, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • Declutter Your Jewelry Box or Ring Dish These can often become catch-alls for loose earring backs, tangled necklaces, and random coins.
    — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 12 July 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 20 Jul. 2026.

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