1
as in to die
to stop functioning
my car failed just as I was about to head to work
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to collapse
to be unsuccessful
despite all the publicity, the movie failed miserably at the box office
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to disappoint
to fall short in satisfying the expectation or hope of
although the minor-league franchise continues to fail local fans, hope springs eternal
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to weaken
to lose bodily strength or vigor
ever since she reached the age of 90, Grandma has been noticeably failing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to forget
to miss the opportunity or obligation
failed to mention that he was looking for new job
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of fail
President Donald Trump said early Friday his administration is resuming a broad set of tariffs on dozens of countries after a 90-day pause, as trade negotiations with many of those nations have failed to yield new deals.
—
Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 4 July 2025
The suit further argues Tempe failed to provide oversight and training for its officer.
—Corina Vanek, AZCentral.com, 4 July 2025
Insurance also isn't likely to cover water or sewage backups in your home, whether this is caused by a failing sump pump or heavy rains.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 4 July 2025
The decline accelerated after reports indicated that Iran’s first attempt to retaliate by lobbing missiles toward a U.S. base in Qatar failed to cause any casualties.
—Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for fail
Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 4 July 2025
The suit further argues Tempe failed to provide oversight and training for its officer.
—Corina Vanek, AZCentral.com, 4 July 2025
Insurance also isn't likely to cover water or sewage backups in your home, whether this is caused by a failing sump pump or heavy rains.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 4 July 2025
The decline accelerated after reports indicated that Iran’s first attempt to retaliate by lobbing missiles toward a U.S. base in Qatar failed to cause any casualties.
—Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for fail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fail
Verb
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Karen Diamond, 82, died June 25 and was privately buried with her family in attendance, according to authorities and members of her synagogue, Boulder's Bonai Shalom.—
Trevor Hughes,
USA Today,
1 July 2025
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More than 14 million of the world’s most vulnerable people, a third of them small children, could die by 2030 because of the Trump administration’s dismantling of US foreign aid, research projected on Tuesday.—
Jim Edwards,
Fortune,
1 July 2025
Verb
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When stress hit, the house of cards collapsed, and failures cascaded like dominoes, wiping out billions in customer funds.—
Roomy Khan,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
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That’s how a building managed to go without a critical earthquake retrofit for more than a century before its brick walls collapsed in 2003.—
Rong-Gong Lin II,
Los Angeles Times,
29 June 2025
Verb
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Jonathan Anderson’s debut at Dior was big news and his interpretation of the house codes and plays on volume did not disappoint.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
30 June 2025
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This past weekend, the music-loving hordes returned to Worthy Farm, and once again the Glastonbury Festival did not disappoint.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
30 June 2025
Verb
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Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is 86 years-old and his political power is weakened following the short war with Israel.—
Jackie Northam,
NPR,
9 July 2025
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The June jobs report showed strong headline numbers, but the underlying data pointed to a weakening labor market.—
Danny Bakst,
Fortune,
9 July 2025
Verb
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Child and pet safety: Never forget to safeguard young children and pets by not leaving them unattended in vehicles, especially during scorching weather when car interiors can become life-threateningly hot.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
11 July 2025
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Some slogans and ad campaigns are quickly forgotten.—
Seth Emerson,
New York Times,
10 July 2025
Verb
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The Herons were the only MLS side to reach the knockout stages, with Los Angeles FC and Seattle Sounders crashing out in the group phase.—
Dan Cancian,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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Alpine Formula One driver Franco Colapinto has been receiving hate comments on Instagram for nearly crashing into Oscar Piastri during the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring.—
Saajan Jogia,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 July 2025
Verb
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Instead, now Mann — who missed the bulk of the season with disc irritation in his back — can sign with any team.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
1 July 2025
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Brand, Reputation And Crisis Dashboards Boards track financial, cyber and operational risk but often miss brand equity and corporate reputation.—
Toby Wong,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
Verb
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Sunscreen, chlorine, saltwater, and even rough drying habits can wear down the fabric, leaving colors faded and suits stretched out.—
Gabi De la Rosa,
Southern Living,
5 July 2025
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There are, of course, 40 further shows to play — hopefully — where old tensions could resurface and adrenalin could fade.—
Mark Sutherland,
Variety,
4 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fail. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.
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