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
Ryan Brennan
may 15, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2026
Condos are particularly tough for builders to invest in because California law allows homeowners associations, or HOAs, to sue developers for construction defects for up to 10 years after a building is completed.
—Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
In 2002, California passed SB 800, a law intended to allow developers to fix defects before litigation.
—Patricia Lock Dawson, Oc Register, 13 May 2026
But design flaws, component defects and faulty installation can cause a rooftop solar system to start a fire.
—Jason Rantala, CBS News, 13 May 2026
Walker was born with congenital heart defects and has undergone multiple surgeries and procedures throughout his life, including two open-heart surgeries.
—Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026
These are lattice defects introduced when a carbon atom is absent, and a neighboring one is replaced by nitrogen.
—Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 8 May 2026
To do this, engineers introduced defects into the material and then exposed it to reentry-like conditions inside the plasma tunnel to better understand how the system functions under off-nominal conditions.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 6 May 2026
While the Allen and Morens prosecutions move forward, the factual and legal defects in the SPLC and Comey indictments suggest that both defendants will likely succeed in any effort to get their cases tossed out of court.
—Quinta Jurecic, The Atlantic, 3 May 2026
Noun
An inspector can catch defects before closing while the builder is still obligated to correct them.
—Ryan Brennan
may 15, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2026
Condos are particularly tough for builders to invest in because California law allows homeowners associations, or HOAs, to sue developers for construction defects for up to 10 years after a building is completed.
—Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
In 2002, California passed SB 800, a law intended to allow developers to fix defects before litigation.
—Patricia Lock Dawson, Oc Register, 13 May 2026
But design flaws, component defects and faulty installation can cause a rooftop solar system to start a fire.
—Jason Rantala, CBS News, 13 May 2026
Walker was born with congenital heart defects and has undergone multiple surgeries and procedures throughout his life, including two open-heart surgeries.
—Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026
These are lattice defects introduced when a carbon atom is absent, and a neighboring one is replaced by nitrogen.
—Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 8 May 2026
To do this, engineers introduced defects into the material and then exposed it to reentry-like conditions inside the plasma tunnel to better understand how the system functions under off-nominal conditions.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 6 May 2026
While the Allen and Morens prosecutions move forward, the factual and legal defects in the SPLC and Comey indictments suggest that both defendants will likely succeed in any effort to get their cases tossed out of court.
—Quinta Jurecic, The Atlantic, 3 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defects
Noun
-
In humans, glial scars form very quickly after injury.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
-
Harris also shows us the burn scars that ripple up Racine’s arm and across Anaia’s face, textured skin that makes strangers blanch, to which Racine lashes out defensively.—
Katie Walsh,
Boston Herald,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
These grow to form blotches that have lighter and darker zones appearing as irregular concentric rings that grow throughout the season until the entire leaf turns black and dies.—
Tim Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
3 May 2026
-
This was a black one with blotches faintly outlined in pale yellow, a beautiful but deadly looking animal.—
Dr. C. E. Kuschel,
Outdoor Life,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
In it, Noah journeys from city to city with friends, collaborators and surprise guests, each episode blending his signature humor with authentic, on-the-ground experiences that spotlight local people, food, and culture.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
13 May 2026
-
The Emmy-winning journalist and filmmaker’s cinematic six-episode documentary series journeys to the heart of the world’s most important stories.—
Todd Spangler,
Variety,
13 May 2026
Noun
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The ongoing war in Iran could also seriously complicate cable repair attempts as maintenance vessels must remain stationary for extended periods while fixing faults, experts say.—
Mostafa Salem,
CNN Money,
17 May 2026
-
The researchers also say the study highlights how fluids inside faults can strongly influence earthquake behavior, something scientists are increasingly recognizing as a key factor in seismic activity.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
Those at Pixar, in fact, were so charmed by Wallis’ tours that the author was asked to voice the role of the film’s sheriff.—
Todd Martens,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
-
One of the best things about Tripadvisor, other than the breadth of its content, is the ability to compare prices across a variety of activities, hotels, and tours all in one place.—
Jamie Spain,
Condé Nast Traveler,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Studio technology hadn’t yet advanced enough to smooth out the natural flaws in performance.—
Lily Moayeri,
SPIN,
15 May 2026
-
But a series of Miami Herald articles detailed significant flaws in the investigation, including several key witnesses whom investigators never followed up with.—
Grethel Aguila,
Miami Herald,
15 May 2026
Verb
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Luckily, The Danna is perfectly placed for good day trips out.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
6 May 2026
-
Also trips to Arizona and a matchup with Illinois in Chicago to complete home-and-home agreements from last season.—
Joe Arruda,
Hartford Courant,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Not all insurance covers it, and the high cost is one of the marks against the drugs, according to the Mayo Clinic, which also cites gastrointestinal problems, loss of muscle mass and bone density as potential negative side effects.—
Connie Ogle
Updated May 15,
Miami Herald,
15 May 2026
-
Our small group of seven guests was able to wander freely through ancient Greek buildings, tour a contemporary mosque, and learn more about how both the Ottoman and Roman Empires have left their marks on this part of the world.—
Paul Brady,
Travel + Leisure,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defects.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defects. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
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