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
According to the police department’s release, the primary factor in the crash seemed to be Smith failing to yield the right of way to the pedestrian.
—
Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 9 June 2025
The second set, which failed to chart, would be the last album to bear Sly Stone’s name for 29 years.
—Chris Morris, Variety, 9 June 2025
Seattle have missed the MLS Cup play-offs just once since debuting in 2009, failing to make the postseason in 2022.
—Jeff Rueter, New York Times, 8 June 2025
Since Newsom directed state workers to return to in-person work four days a week starting in July, several unions have filed unfair labor practices that allege the administration violated state labor laws by failing to meet and confer over the impacts of the policy change.
—William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 8 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for fail
Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 9 June 2025
The second set, which failed to chart, would be the last album to bear Sly Stone’s name for 29 years.
—Chris Morris, Variety, 9 June 2025
Seattle have missed the MLS Cup play-offs just once since debuting in 2009, failing to make the postseason in 2022.
—Jeff Rueter, New York Times, 8 June 2025
Since Newsom directed state workers to return to in-person work four days a week starting in July, several unions have filed unfair labor practices that allege the administration violated state labor laws by failing to meet and confer over the impacts of the policy change.
—William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 8 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for fail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fail
Verb
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Wayne Lewis, founding member of hit R&B group Atlantic Starr, died on Thursday (June 5).—
Mya Abraham,
VIBE.com,
9 June 2025
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Sly Stone, a funk pioneer whose influence and impact as leader of the musical group Sly and the Family Stone was as enduring as his career was brief, died Monday in Los Angeles.—
Rob Tannenbaum,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2025
Verb
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That’s very much the case with Two Harbors, whose shares traded in the $60s before collapsing during COVID, only mildly rebounded, then deteriorated ever since to current prices around $10 per share.—
Brett Owens,
Forbes.com,
8 June 2025
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The signs have been there for about six months — ever since a 180-foot section of the wooden pier collapsed into the ocean after being battered by towering waves during an atmospheric river storm that wreaked havoc along the Central Coast.—
Hailey Branson-Potts,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2025
Verb
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Lindor didn’t disappoint, hitting a two-run double with two outs that eventually gave the Mets a 4-2 win at Coors Field.—
Fiifi Frimpong,
New York Daily News,
7 June 2025
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Trump responded during an Oval Office meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz by saying he was disappointed with Musk.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
7 June 2025
Verb
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Bias, inaccuracies and missing values can all weaken model reliability.—
Tor Constantino,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2025
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Coercing democratic allies such as Canada or Denmark more broadly weakens trust in U.S. alliances; threatening Panama reawakens fears of imperialism throughout Latin America; crippling the U.S. Agency for International Development undercuts the United States’ reputation for benevolence.—
Robert O. Keohane,
Foreign Affairs,
2 June 2025
Verb
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For one, no studio wants to release its film too early, only to be forgotten when another major contender comes along.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
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It’s designed to combat re-arrest and re-incarceration after imprisonment—known as recidivism, create jobs and build dignity for those the system tries to forget.—
Kizzy Cox,
Essence,
4 June 2025
Verb
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But in 2015 the platinum market crashed after it was revealed that the big German car maker Volkswagen had been falsifying exhaust system measurement sparking a scandal dubbed Dieselgate.—
Tim Treadgold,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
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The plane departed Tullahoma Regional Airport at approximately 12:30 p.m. and crashed shortly after takeoff, Tullahoma Community Engagement Officer Lyle Russell confirmed to Fox News Digital.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
9 June 2025
Verb
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The Pride showed defensive strength that had been missing in recent weeks to keep Houston from scoring.—
Kyle Foley,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 June 2025
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Dom missed an awkward 619 and Octagon Jr. regained control.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
8 June 2025
Verb
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Despite the metaverse hype having faded, Infinite Reality shows that investor belief in immersive environments remains, especially when linked to creator infrastructure or enterprise applications. 4.—
Elena Volotovskaya,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
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When McBride isn’t answering the director’s questions and when Joynt is able to fade into the background, the documentary, which asserts little visual style other than fly-on-the-wall presence, is able to witness moments that showcase the unguarded McBride.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
9 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fail. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.
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