1
as in dies
to stop functioning
my car failed just as I was about to head to work
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of fails
The Nuggets’ season will go up in smoke if Gordon fails to provide an edge, toughness, defense and slow-heartbeat 3-pointers.
—
Troy Renck, Denver Post, 9 Mar. 2026
If the software fails, there is nothing for a passenger to grab.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Mar. 2026
Take a break If all else fails, just take a break and disengage for a while.
—Staff Author, Parents, 9 Mar. 2026
Longer windows reduce your risk of paying another service fee if the fix fails.
—Alora Bopray, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026
Plus, a good white T-shirt never fails me.
—Essence Wiley, InStyle, 8 Mar. 2026
Adam McKay’s toxically smug dissection of Dick Cheney fails to take the full measure of this monstrous vice-president, but even so, Bale taps into something elemental about the man’s arrogance and domineering personality.
—Tim Grierson, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2026
The Legal Aid Society, which analyzed city data and released its findings Monday, said the ramifications of police misconduct will continue to be a problem because the NYPD too often fails to discipline officers and supervisors — especially if the allegations don’t make headlines.
—Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 2 Mar. 2026
But in Lucas’ body the creatine fails to make it to its final destination.
—Leanne Miller, CNBC, 2 Mar. 2026
Troy Renck, Denver Post, 9 Mar. 2026
If the software fails, there is nothing for a passenger to grab.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Mar. 2026
Take a break If all else fails, just take a break and disengage for a while.
—Staff Author, Parents, 9 Mar. 2026
Longer windows reduce your risk of paying another service fee if the fix fails.
—Alora Bopray, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026
Plus, a good white T-shirt never fails me.
—Essence Wiley, InStyle, 8 Mar. 2026
Adam McKay’s toxically smug dissection of Dick Cheney fails to take the full measure of this monstrous vice-president, but even so, Bale taps into something elemental about the man’s arrogance and domineering personality.
—Tim Grierson, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2026
The Legal Aid Society, which analyzed city data and released its findings Monday, said the ramifications of police misconduct will continue to be a problem because the NYPD too often fails to discipline officers and supervisors — especially if the allegations don’t make headlines.
—Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 2 Mar. 2026
But in Lucas’ body the creatine fails to make it to its final destination.
—Leanne Miller, CNBC, 2 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fails
Verb
-
War spreads in the Middle East, a coaching legend dies, and several incumbents face tough primaries.—
Melinda Yao,
NBC news,
7 Mar. 2026
-
There is no way to measure the emotional cost of dealing with what happens after a spouse dies and leaves financial arrangements in a mess.—
Terry Savage,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Bluff collapses, sometimes caused by natural erosion, are not uncommon in north San Diego and along beaches in North County.—
Karen Kucher,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
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The game between Dallas and the Columbus Blue Jackets is postponed by the NHL after Stars forward Rich Peverley collapses on the bench during the first period.—
Senior Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
This nostalgic recipe never disappoints.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
1 Mar. 2026
-
Sales grow, but outlook disappoints The strength area of the new Planet Fitness at 226 Harvard Avenue in Allston.—
Brandon Gomez,
CNBC,
28 Feb. 2026
Verb
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And if the economy deteriorates and the labor market materially weakens at the same time?—
Allie Canal,
NBC news,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Without this supply from the updraft, the storm weakens and dissipates.—
Mary Wasson,
Austin American Statesman,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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If a passenger forgets headphones, the airline can sometimes provide free earbuds.—
Cate Martel,
The Hill,
5 Mar. 2026
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And even host Kristen Bell forgets about the name change.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The sedan crashes into the truck, momentarily sending it into the air and then knocking it over on its side.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
-
At one point, Styles’ car crashes beneath a truck and bursts into flames, one of several over-the-top moments that playfully mimic Hollywood action films.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
This discussion misses some devastating math.—
Rafael Leon,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Of course, scanning misses a lot.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Support for DiCaprio fades, and Day-Lewis wins his third Oscar.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Energy drinks can give you a quick burst of energy, but that boost often fades fast.—
Laura Dorwart,
Verywell Health,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fails.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fails. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.
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