DEFECTIVE Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

defective

adjective

di-ˈfek-tiv

Definition of defective

as in imperfect

having a fault promptly took the defective microwave oven back to the store for a replacement

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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 defective Fire hazards are also high on the list, as heating elements in defective units can potentially remain on even when the unit isn’t powered on, increasing the risk of fire or burns. — The Spruce, 6 Aug. 2026 Eastwood’s late girlfriend Jewel Brangman died due to a defective airbag. — Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Aug. 2026 But returning Sara to the manufacturer proves complicated, especially so for a lascivious Ultima technician (Oliver Cooper) sent to collect the defective model. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 3 Aug. 2026 Benjamin Gibson, an attorney representing the state, said the onus was on the plaintiffs to prove the ballot summary was defective. — Jim Turner, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for defective

Recent Examples of Synonyms for defective

Adjective

For the last two years, the story has entranced showgoers with its heartbreaking portrayal of an imperfect love story.

— Emmalee Reed, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026
While imperfect, the system has worked well enough to save significant time and money, Krogan says.

— Pien Huang, NPR, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of imperfect

Adjective

Jeffrey Katzenberg, then a studio executive at Paramount Pictures, hand-picked the Happy Days star for the job, but at the time, Winkler had a bad feeling about accepting it.

— Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026
How many of us make things worse More seasoned Internet users—a fair number who read this site—are quick to dismiss the attack.

— Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of bad

Adjective

And yet, when Szumowska and Englert portray Fyodor’s reaction to the couple’s pregnancy, the birth of their child, and a subsequent tragedy, Anna’s adoration for this utterly flawed man almost feels justified.

— Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
But the diagnosis dominating today’s political discourse is fundamentally flawed.

— Norbert J. Michel, Washington Post, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of flawed

Adjective

Like all of hip-hop’s early heroes, Flash is fixated on the genre’s history—righting its wrongs, fighting a headwind of faulty tellings over the years.

— Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026
Cardiac arrhythmia ablation, according to the British Heart Foundation, is when heat or cold energy is used to create tiny scars in the heart to block faulty signals and restore a typical heartbeat.

— Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of faulty

Adjective

Analysts said the move was aimed at forcing companies to pay for their own security and bring damaged assets back into service, despite the cost.

— Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Clean water is hard to come by, as the floods contaminated water systems and damaged infrastructure.

— Jonathan Lambert, NPR, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of damaged

Adjective

Lake Mary quarterback RemyJarman is out four to six weeks with a broken collarbone and tonight getting his first varsity start is freshman Max Chapman .

— Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Sep. 2026
The Greek Revival-style apartment house has been vacant since 2017, when all of its tenants left, reportedly due to a broken boiler that was never repaired.

— JC Reindl, Freep.com, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of broken

Browse Nearby Words

defections

defective

defectively

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“Defective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defective. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of defective

adjective

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