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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Recent Examples of defects
Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
january 12, Sacbee.com, 12 Jan. 2026
The research team attributed their results to how tiny defects, known as dislocations, move when a metal deforms.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 12 Jan. 2026
Another pilot program involves using AI to detect defects in the hide, again to avoid waste.
—Emily Chan, Vogue, 9 Jan. 2026
Look out for recalls Many vehicles get recalled by manufacturers about defects that may be found on the vehicle.
—Keenan Thompson, USA Today, 9 Jan. 2026
Rubella, also called German measles, is mild in children but devastating to fetuses, causing deafness, heart defects and intellectual disabilities when pregnant women are infected.
—Jake Scott, Washington Post, 7 Jan. 2026
Rubella, also called German measles, is mild in children but devastating to fetuses, causing deafness, heart defects and intellectual disabilities when pregnant women are infected.
—Jake Scott, The Conversation, 6 Jan. 2026
The filing cites past crashes, including a fatal 2009 FedEx MD-11 crash in Tokyo, and alleges similar design flaws or defects in Boeing’s MD-11 may have caused or contributed to the November 4 crash.
—Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025
Over 830,000 Peloton Bike+ units have been recalled for seat post defects that can cause falls and injuries.
—Amber Brenza, Health, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
Since the mandate, neural tube defects have dramatically declined in almost every single ethnic population except for Latinos, according to Jaffery.
—Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
january 12, Sacbee.com, 12 Jan. 2026
The research team attributed their results to how tiny defects, known as dislocations, move when a metal deforms.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 12 Jan. 2026
Another pilot program involves using AI to detect defects in the hide, again to avoid waste.
—Emily Chan, Vogue, 9 Jan. 2026
Look out for recalls Many vehicles get recalled by manufacturers about defects that may be found on the vehicle.
—Keenan Thompson, USA Today, 9 Jan. 2026
Rubella, also called German measles, is mild in children but devastating to fetuses, causing deafness, heart defects and intellectual disabilities when pregnant women are infected.
—Jake Scott, Washington Post, 7 Jan. 2026
Rubella, also called German measles, is mild in children but devastating to fetuses, causing deafness, heart defects and intellectual disabilities when pregnant women are infected.
—Jake Scott, The Conversation, 6 Jan. 2026
The filing cites past crashes, including a fatal 2009 FedEx MD-11 crash in Tokyo, and alleges similar design flaws or defects in Boeing’s MD-11 may have caused or contributed to the November 4 crash.
—Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025
Over 830,000 Peloton Bike+ units have been recalled for seat post defects that can cause falls and injuries.
—Amber Brenza, Health, 7 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defects
Noun
-
Harry survived the attack, but grew up with a limp and lasting emotional scars.—
Samantha Stutsman,
PEOPLE,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Reyes was shot, holding up his left forearm for the prosecutors, scars clearly visible beneath his short-sleeve shirt.—
Matthew J. Friedman,
CNN Money,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
These blotches are fairly plant friendly and produce what is known as algal leaf spot.—
Brian Bell,
The Orlando Sentinel,
3 Jan. 2026
-
Photos show the Maratus australis spider, which has an intricate pattern of blue and brown blotches edged with bright teal and red-orange stripes.—
Aspen Pflughoeft,
Miami Herald,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Nature and cultural immersion remain key, with travelers seeking scenic escapes, heritage cities, and flexible, experience‑rich journeys that balance adventure, culture, and authenticity.—
Samantha Leal,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Jan. 2026
-
After being freed by Katara and Sokka a century later, Aang journeys with them to learn how to use his powers properly.—
Will Harris,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Wind turbines are particularly vulnerable to fire caused by lightning strikes or electrical faults.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
13 Jan. 2026
-
For Southern California, that means clearer insight into how faults behave between earthquakes.—
Marina Jurica,
CBS News,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The Atlantic Vice President JD Vance tours the US military's Pituffik Space Base in Greenland on March 28, 2025.—
Caroline Linton,
CBS News,
31 Dec. 2025
-
Bing Crosby’s Captain Bob Wallace is a former Broadway star who tours with Kaye’s Private Phil Davis after World War II.—
Victoria Edel,
PEOPLE,
23 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Microscopic flaws also create electrical issues, leaking energy that is almost impossible to track with conventional tools.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Jan. 2026
-
And the Bills certainly have had more complete teams with fewer flaws around Allen in recent seasons than the current version that reached the playoffs as a wild card at 12-5.—
Mark Maske,
Washington Post,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Boat trips with the hotel’s fleet of luxury liners or a heli ride take you island-hopping to Hydra and Spetses.—
Jemima Sissons,
Condé Nast Traveler,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Shoelaces are scanned to ensure that no player trips and breaks bones.—
Teri Sforza,
Oc Register,
4 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
In 2023, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board sustained objections by Judge and the MLBPA and refused to register the marks in Chisena’s name.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
13 Jan. 2026
-
The youngest is a barn owl that was found with bite marks on her after her nest was attacked.—
Beth Lipoff,
Kansas City Star,
12 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defects.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defects. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.
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