1
as in to die
to stop functioning
my car failed just as I was about to head to work
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to collapse
to be unsuccessful
despite all the publicity, the movie failed miserably at the box office
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to disappoint
to fall short in satisfying the expectation or hope of
although the minor-league franchise continues to fail local fans, hope springs eternal
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to weaken
to lose bodily strength or vigor
ever since she reached the age of 90, Grandma has been noticeably failing
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to forget
to miss the opportunity or obligation
failed to mention that he was looking for new job
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of fail
The power was what mattered — the power, which my supposedly invaluable degree had failed to confer, to earn a living.
—
Rax King, People.com, 29 July 2025
Edwards alleges in her lawsuit that Sono Bello’s medical staff failed to recognize and respond to early signs of trouble.
—Fred Schulte, Miami Herald, 29 July 2025
The offensive line failed to generate a lot of push and the ground game couldn’t gain a ton of yards past the line of scrimmage.
—Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 29 July 2025
The program tried to learn from every hand — even the bad hands that were doomed to fail — and ended up making mostly random moves.
—Andrew Montequin, jsonline.com, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for fail
Rax King, People.com, 29 July 2025
Edwards alleges in her lawsuit that Sono Bello’s medical staff failed to recognize and respond to early signs of trouble.
—Fred Schulte, Miami Herald, 29 July 2025
The offensive line failed to generate a lot of push and the ground game couldn’t gain a ton of yards past the line of scrimmage.
—Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 29 July 2025
The program tried to learn from every hand — even the bad hands that were doomed to fail — and ended up making mostly random moves.
—Andrew Montequin, jsonline.com, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for fail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fail
Verb
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One person died in federal prison after being kept in restraints for more than two days.—
Joseph Shapiro,
NPR,
14 July 2025
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The Dallas County Medical Examiner’s Office will identify the two people who died.—
Samara Gerstle,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 July 2025
Verb
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The episode ended with a deep-fake public service announcement that showed Trump walking through the desert, taking off his clothes and collapsing nude in the sand.—
Christine Ricciardi,
Chicago Tribune,
25 July 2025
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Just two weeks after collapsing twice during the opening round of the Amundi Evian Championship, Hull returned this week to compete at the ISPS HANDA Women's Scottish Open.—
Devlina Sarkar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 July 2025
Verb
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Aramark said in a statement earlier this week that the company was disappointed in the strike deadline and that contingency plans are in place to ensure fans at Fenway Park will have the ability to purchase food and drink during the games this weekend.—
Michael Hurley,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 July 2025
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However, Humphrey said the defense came away from Wednesday’s first practice disappointed in its play and its inability to force turnovers.—
Jeff Zrebiec,
New York Times,
25 July 2025
Verb
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Also in the Pacific, Tropical Depression Iona, over 1,400 miles west of Honolulu, continued weakening as it was expected to cross the International Date Line on Saturday, according to a hurricane center advisory.—
Eduardo Cuevas,
USA Today,
2 Aug. 2025
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The job market weakened sharply during the late spring and early summer as President Trump's tariffs began to take effect.—
Scott Horsley,
NPR,
1 Aug. 2025
Verb
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And who wants an inefficient clean? While floors need cleaning frequently, don’t forget about other areas of your home that could use a good cleaning.—
Lauren Wicks,
Southern Living,
3 Aug. 2025
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Investors forget to buy low No one is forcing anyone to purchase expensive stocks.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
3 Aug. 2025
Verb
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In the week since a driver crashed through a barrier and seriously injured two 22-year-olds, their families are left with questions and anger.—
David Clarey,
jsonline.com,
29 July 2025
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The car ultimately crashed against an oil buffer at the bottom of the building — a kind of emergency fail-safe meant to stop falling elevators — and the buffer's piston smashed through much of it.—
Susan Young,
People.com,
28 July 2025
Verb
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Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.—
Nicholas Rice,
People.com,
27 July 2025
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The Milwaukee Police Department has requested public assistance in their efforts to locate Andrew K. Addae, a critically missing 54-year-old man.—
Jim Riccioli,
jsonline.com,
27 July 2025
Verb
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Just after the clock struck midnight as Thursday night faded into Friday morning, the Texas House morphed into something of a graveyard.—
John C. Moritz,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
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Some bulls on Wall Street see U.S. stocks turning in another year of huge gains as the worst fears of President Donald Trump’s trade war fade and the outlook on tariffs becomes more certain.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
29 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fail. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
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