BLIGHTS Synonyms: 95 Similar and Opposite Words

blights 1 of 2

noun

plural of blight

as in defects

something that spoils the appearance or completeness of a thing the expanding urban sprawl is a blight on the countryside

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blights

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of blight

as in harms

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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.

Recent Examples of blights

Noun

The same biological world that gives rise to forests, coral reefs and human life also produces infections, cancer, genetic disease, crop blights and toxins. — Tara Deans, The Conversation, 8 July 2026 Concerns over blights and quality of life became political issues. — Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026 Fungicides, for instance, are used to suppress disease-causing pathogens like blights and leaf spots, but might also impact beneficial microbes that live in flowers. — Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 28 Apr. 2026 Yearning to light some tech on fire is a relatable feeling these days, as generative artificial intelligence promises to supplant nearly every form of non-physical labor, social media wreaks havoc on the mental health of young people, and massive data centers loom as environmental blights. — Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2026 Even a simple soaker hose is better than a sprinkler system that wets the foliage, which can make plants prone to blights and mildews. — Marie Iannotti, The Spruce, 3 Mar. 2026 The more kinds of plants, the more defenses to fend off the blights and insect infestations that ran unobstructed through landowners’ large mono-crop fields. — Literary Hub, 19 Feb. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for blights

Noun

Instead of relying entirely on manual video reviews, technicians will use software that analyzes inspection footage and flags potential defects for closer examination.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 15 July 2026
The gist of the case is that live, rapid and in-play wagering options known as microbetting constitute design defects.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 14 July 2026

Definition of defects

Verb

According to their study, these thin-film solar cells held onto over 90 percent of their original efficiency after being exposed to a harsh reverse bias of minus 40 volts, which usually harms standard thin-film solar cells.

— Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 21 July 2026
Far from being a resolution to moving past trauma, Stevens said, the forgive-and-forget doctrine likely harms victims more.

— Jeremy Kohler, ProPublica, 20 July 2026

Definition of harms

Noun

In Uvalde — where the scars of the 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting remain impossible to ignore — one person was killed and dozens of homes were destroyed, compounding years of the community’s collective grief.

— Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Tehrani’s patients include executives, entertainers and public-facing professionals looking to restore definition to the arms, abdomen, shoulders and chest without the extensive scars associated with traditional body-lift surgery.

— Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026

Definition of scars

Verb

That sounds simple, but leaders who are highly activated are often the least accurate at assessing their own state—the same activation that impairs judgment also impairs the ability to perceive that judgment is impaired.

— Joy Nissen, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
The chronic disease, which impairs the body’s ability to properly regulate blood sugar, contributed to 94,445 deaths that year.

— Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026

Definition of impairs

Noun

Verticillium wilt causes similar blotches and yellowing.

— Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 June 2026
Pine snakes can grow up to 56 inches in length, have black, brown, and russet scales with dark blotches along their backs, and are noted for having a pointed nose, which experts believe may help with burrowing.

— Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026

Definition of blotches

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blighting

blights

Blighty

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“Blights.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blights. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of blights

noun

verb

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