Achilles' heels

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
Noun
  • Over the next few days, the eggplants sat in my crisper drawer, soft spots spreading across their skin like bruises.
    Reem Kassis, The Atlantic, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Other signs of mold or spoilage include shriveling, leaking juice, soft spots, or an off smell.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Freeman was asked this week about switching running backs or putting Carr under center.
    Pete Sampson, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The upheaval comes as brands battle to reverse a slowdown in luxury consumption worldwide, with aspirational consumers turning their backs on high-ends goods after several years of steep price increases in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
    Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 2025
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.

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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 23 Oct. 2025.

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