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 The rash was much milder in mice bred with defective itch-sensing nerve cells. — ABC News, 27 June 2026 The plaintiffs have also accused Bayer of negligence and misrepresentation of Roundup's safety in its marketing, and have alleged that the product was defective for its intended purpose. — Diana Novak Jones, USA Today, 25 June 2026 That came after a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigation found Ford failed to recall vehicles with defective rearview cameras in a timely manner. — Breana Noble, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2026 Antibiotic resistance, once entrenched, cannot be recalled like a defective product. — Robert Glatter, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for defective

Recent Examples of Synonyms for defective

Adjective

The Soviet experience, on top of the rise of fascism, reminded my generation rather forcibly that man was, indeed, imperfect, and that the corruptions of power could unleash great evil in the world.

— David Brooks, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026
Leaders must show up consistently across various platforms, offering honest, even imperfect, insights rather than waiting for perfect messaging.

— Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

Definition of imperfect

Adjective

Shouldn’t Tamra take that as a sign to repair her relationships with the women rather than alienate the one person who is willing to look past her bad behavior?

— Brian Moylan, Vulture, 17 July 2026
That statistic shows that hotels did worse with the World Cup than without it initially.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026

Definition of bad

Adjective

Instead of doubling down on a flawed system, policymakers can make gradual changes by introducing new tax categories in the existing framework and imposing taxes that correspond to the alcoholic content of that category.

— Adam Hoffer, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
The company says the claims contain flawed conclusions and rejects the characterization of the technology as a botnet.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026

Definition of flawed

Adjective

The developer behind the skyscraper – the former Pfizer headquarters being converted into apartments – previously told CNN that faulty column supports carrying too much weight were to blame, and the building has since been stabilized.

— Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
Negative reviews, however, mentioned faulty packaging and pushy sales tactics.

— Javier Simon, USA Today, 11 July 2026

Definition of faulty

Adjective

There were also issues with wastewater disposal, damaged floors, and pots and pans encrusted with food debris and grease deposits.

— Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026
Take the plant from its pot and cut away any dead or damaged roots, then repot the plant in fresh soil.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 14 July 2026

Definition of damaged

Adjective

Divine intervention can’t repair the broken social bonds that Odysseus and Penelope (Anne Hathaway) blame for the fall of civilization.

— Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 17 July 2026
In 2023, after a park visitor noticed a broken Fury 325 support beam, the coaster closed for six weeks that summer.

— Catherine Muccigrosso July 17, Charlotte Observer, 17 July 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 20 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of defective

adjective

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