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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of fails
If the restructuring fails to materialize by year-end, SoftBank’s total investment would drop to $20 billion.
—
Dave Smith, Fortune, 11 Nov. 2025
Best Amazon Early Black Friday Luggage Deals Amazon’s lineup of hardside suitcases, carry-ons, and full luggage sets never fails to impress—and this year’s deals certainly don’t fall short.
—Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 10 Nov. 2025
However, this entry into the Siegels’ world fails to land.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 10 Nov. 2025
Millions of Americans who get health coverage through the Affordable Care Act could see their insurance premiums soar next year if Congress fails to continue enhanced tax credits that lower the cost of health coverage.
—George Petras, USA Today, 10 Nov. 2025
Higley Unified’s override fails a second time David Loutzenheiser, superintendent of Higley Unified, expressed his gratitude to community members who voted and supported students on the ballot.
—Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 10 Nov. 2025
The critical two-point conversion fails.
—Miami Herald, 9 Nov. 2025
His story underscored the urgency of what’s at stake if Congress fails to extend this financial assistance as Covered California leaders gathered Friday to mark the start of the state’s 13th open enrollment.
—Cathie Anderson, Sacbee.com, 8 Nov. 2025
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
Dave Smith, Fortune, 11 Nov. 2025
Best Amazon Early Black Friday Luggage Deals Amazon’s lineup of hardside suitcases, carry-ons, and full luggage sets never fails to impress—and this year’s deals certainly don’t fall short.
—Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 10 Nov. 2025
However, this entry into the Siegels’ world fails to land.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 10 Nov. 2025
Millions of Americans who get health coverage through the Affordable Care Act could see their insurance premiums soar next year if Congress fails to continue enhanced tax credits that lower the cost of health coverage.
—George Petras, USA Today, 10 Nov. 2025
Higley Unified’s override fails a second time David Loutzenheiser, superintendent of Higley Unified, expressed his gratitude to community members who voted and supported students on the ballot.
—Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 10 Nov. 2025
The critical two-point conversion fails.
—Miami Herald, 9 Nov. 2025
His story underscored the urgency of what’s at stake if Congress fails to extend this financial assistance as Covered California leaders gathered Friday to mark the start of the state’s 13th open enrollment.
—Cathie Anderson, Sacbee.com, 8 Nov. 2025
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
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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Voids can contribute to sinkholes as the ground collapses into the underlying cavities.—
Stuart Dyos,
Nashville Tennessean,
11 Nov. 2025
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The New York Giants fired head coach Brian Daboll on Monday after a 2-8 start to the 2025 NFL season and a string of fourth-quarter collapses that left ownership exhausted and fans demanding change.—
Rowan Fisher-Shotton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Nov. 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 2 Dec. 2025.
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