DEFECTS Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

defects 1 of 2

noun

plural of defect

as in scars

something that spoils the appearance or completeness of a thing the statue has a slight defect on the base, so it's being sold at a discount

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defects

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of defect

as in emigrates

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Example Sentences

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 defects

Noun

Today, 67% of people insured through an employer – roughly 100 million Americans – are in these plans, making the law’s defects especially salient. — Miranda Yaver, The Conversation, 2 July 2026 As release velocity increases, defects compound faster than teams can notice. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 The surface conductivity of insulators is very strong and cannot be disrupted by impurities or physical defects. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 30 June 2026 Roughly one-third of congenital heart defects in children with Down syndrome resolve naturally, and many need only a minor intervention. — Michelle Sie Whitten, STAT, 25 June 2026 Inspections keep bridges safe, but are snapshots Federal bridge inspections—rooted in National Bridge Inspection Standards mandated by Congress in 1968—exist because past failures showed that small defects can threaten large structures. — Alex Krasnok, Scientific American, 25 June 2026 Federal bridge inspections – rooted in National Bridge Inspection Standards mandated by Congress in 1968 – exist because past failures showed that small defects can threaten large structures. — Alex Krasnok, Fortune, 21 June 2026 Carro also ordered that records relating to Mangione's possible mental defects be unsealed, including any expert assessments of his mental state. — Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2026 Manufacturer warranties often protect against certain defects for several years after installation. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 12 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for defects

Noun

Pasquantio’s right thumb has two scars, the latest the result of a right-hamate fracture that had sidelined him since June 14.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026
The man appeared to be Hispanic, between 50 and 60 years old, with shoulder-length hair, 151 pounds and 5 feet 8 inches tall, with no tattoos or scars, the release said.

— Theresa Clift July 7, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026

Definition of scars

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

Verb

Santa Ana, the country's tallest volcano), horseback rides along the black sand, and trips out along the Ruta de las Flores.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 July 2026
Powerful superconducting magnets could also provide a solution to the problem of cancer-causing cosmic radiation that explorers will encounter during stays on the moon or trips deeper into space.

— Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 6 July 2026

Definition of trips

Noun

Following the shipwreck, there was speculation that Cemortan’s presence may have distracted Schettino, or that his involvement with the young woman spoke to flaws in his character.

— Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 11 July 2026
But the habits and flaws revealed in these games will establish a blueprint of expectations and goals for the upcoming season, providing a crucial rubric for a team in a rebuild.

— Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2026

Definition of flaws

Verb

The jukebox musical is built from Keys’ catalogue of R&B and soul hits, a semi-autobiographical story that treks through her Manhattan upbringing.

— David John Chávez, Mercury News, 4 May 2026
As announced by Alex Cora over the weekend, top Red Sox hitting prospect Franklin Arias will start at shortstop when the club treks up to Dunedin to face the Toronto Blue Jays.

— Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 2 Mar. 2026