1
as in dies
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 collapses
to be unsuccessful
despite all the publicity, the movie failed miserably at the box office
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in disappoints
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 weakens
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 forgets
to miss the opportunity or obligation
failed to mention that he was looking for new job
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of fails
Advertisement As the world fails to meet its 2025 Paris Agreement target, climate leaders from across industries are working overtime to make up for the lack of global governmental action.
—
Erin McMullen, Time, 5 Nov. 2025
For this new study in particular, the researchers focused on the 5FU, which often both fails to reach cancer cells efficiently and attacks healthy tissue—causing side effects like nausea, fatigue and, in rare cases, even heart failure.
—Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
Chairwoman Robyn Denholm urged shareholders to support it, warning in a letter Monday that the company risks losing significant value if the deal fails and Musk opts to step down as chief executive.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 3 Nov. 2025
If all else fails, gaining his approval is sometimes as simple as making the right donation.
—Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 3 Nov. 2025
In many states, if a resident fails to move their home in time, the park owner may repossess the home or move it.
—Cassie Powell, The Conversation, 3 Nov. 2025
No 10 Justin Devenny, with a free header from Guehi’s inswinging cross, fails to hit the target.
—Liam Tharme, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
The state alleged that Amazon doesn’t go far enough to find reasonable accommodations for employees upon request and fails to consider whether a different accommodation or work location would be a match for an employee who is pregnant or has a disability.
—Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 27 Oct. 2025
The secretary of defense (Jared Harris) expresses shock that the missile defense system, which cost $50 billion, has just a 50% chance at successfully shooting down the missile — and, indeed, in the film, the system fails to do its job.
—Adam B. Vary, Variety, 27 Oct. 2025
Erin McMullen, Time, 5 Nov. 2025
For this new study in particular, the researchers focused on the 5FU, which often both fails to reach cancer cells efficiently and attacks healthy tissue—causing side effects like nausea, fatigue and, in rare cases, even heart failure.
—Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
Chairwoman Robyn Denholm urged shareholders to support it, warning in a letter Monday that the company risks losing significant value if the deal fails and Musk opts to step down as chief executive.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 3 Nov. 2025
If all else fails, gaining his approval is sometimes as simple as making the right donation.
—Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 3 Nov. 2025
In many states, if a resident fails to move their home in time, the park owner may repossess the home or move it.
—Cassie Powell, The Conversation, 3 Nov. 2025
No 10 Justin Devenny, with a free header from Guehi’s inswinging cross, fails to hit the target.
—Liam Tharme, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
The state alleged that Amazon doesn’t go far enough to find reasonable accommodations for employees upon request and fails to consider whether a different accommodation or work location would be a match for an employee who is pregnant or has a disability.
—Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 27 Oct. 2025
The secretary of defense (Jared Harris) expresses shock that the missile defense system, which cost $50 billion, has just a 50% chance at successfully shooting down the missile — and, indeed, in the film, the system fails to do its job.
—Adam B. Vary, Variety, 27 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fails
Verb
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It’s estimated that one person dies every 34 seconds from cardiovascular disease in the US.—
Jacqueline Howard,
CNN Money,
8 Nov. 2025
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When Nora and Agnes’ mother dies, the siblings gather friends and loved ones in the home for a memorial.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The project blends survivalist horror with psychological thriller elements, examining how far people will go to survive when society collapses.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
2 Nov. 2025
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As the party collapses into collective, mob-like madness, despair is unleashed along with paranoia, depravity, violence, and carnage.—
Dennis Perkins,
Entertainment Weekly,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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For an evening splurge, the theatrical restaurant Marble never disappoints.—
Emily Baldwin,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Nov. 2025
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How to Watch Real Madrid vs Barcelona Real Madrid and Barcelona clash once again in El Clásico, a fixture that rarely disappoints and often shapes the La Liga title race.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Lee was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy at age 2, a degenerative disease that gradually weakens muscles.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
6 Nov. 2025
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Unlike some of the burger chain’s peers, Cramer said McDonald’s has immense scale and strength and is making an effort to lower prices as consumer spending weakens.—
Julie Coleman,
CNBC,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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No one ever forgets the Sedona skyline.—
Roger Naylor,
AZCentral.com,
8 Nov. 2025
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Still forgets people’s names at parties.—
JD Barker,
Rolling Stone,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
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IndyStar reached out to the Indiana State Police to receive an estimate of how many car crashes deputies have responded to this morning.—
Noe Padilla,
IndyStar,
10 Nov. 2025
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To raise Merv’s spirits, Russ decides to whisk him away from Boston to beach vacation in Florida — a trip that Anna promptly crashes.—
Eric Andersson,
PEOPLE,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Kayshon Boutte is day-to-day with a hamstring injury, which means New England could push Stefon Diggs outside if Boutte misses any time, allowing Douglas to get more run out of the slot against the Buccaneers this week.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Nov. 2025
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Saito always misses his cats while hiking.—
Kelly Meyerhofer,
jsonline.com,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Estevie’s voice resonates throughout that lush blend of cumbia-pop, and leaves an impression that lingers long after the music fades.—
Tere Aguilera,
Billboard,
7 Nov. 2025
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Like all sugar rushes, the high fades fast and you’re left with a stomachache.—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fails.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fails. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.
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