FLAW Synonyms: 130 Similar and Opposite Words

flaw 1 of 2

noun

ˈflȯ

Definition of flaw

as in defect

something that spoils the appearance or completeness of a thing noted the flaw in the diamond before I bought it

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

flaw

2 of 2

verb

as in to damage

to reduce the soundness, effectiveness, or perfection of that crack has flawed the vase to the extent that its value in the antiques market is greatly reduced

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of flaw

Noun

There are so many flaws in the aging, crumbling infrastructure of the internet. — Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 23 Oct. 2026 Unbeknownst to Wiz’s team, researchers at another cybersecurity firm, Calif—working with OpenAI—had used AI to find a related flaw. — Harry Booth, Time, 23 Oct. 2026

Verb

And when the healthcare system is flawed to its core and disinformation about alternative treatments spreads rapidly online? — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2026 That is my background too, and then also not take anyone for granted, have flawed characters but grounded and real, fully, three-dimensional. — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flaw

Recent Examples of Synonyms for flaw

Noun

Amid these safety concerns, GE analyzed recent engine defects on the Boeing 787 and determined that thermal fatigue, driven by stress concentrations near cooling holes, is causing low-cycle blade deterioration.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026
The building already has materials, dimensions, defects, histories, neighbors, owners, previous uses, and established patterns of maintenance or neglect.

— Julian Rose, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of defect

Verb

Rodents are also more likely to damage trees that are heavily mulched right up to their trunks.

— Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 6 Nov. 2026
If El Niño brings storms that damage the road again, history suggests Caltrans will fix it, seemingly stuck in an endless loop of patchwork repairs for one of California’s most challenging mountain highways to maintain.

— Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of damage

Noun

Doctors detected abnormal breath sounds, and a scan revealed a round blotch in his right lung—a sign of blood, pus, fluid or tissue—but tests for common pathogens came back negative.

— Rachel Melegrito, Scientific American, 26 Oct. 2026
Juveniles can be distinguished by their dark facial bands and gray or tan body patterned with black or brown blotches.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of blotch

Verb

Violence at parties and other festivities marred the Halloween weekend, as police in multiple cities across the country investigated shootings and other mayhem that left at least 124 people shot, 17 fatally, authorities said.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026
More than a dozen people were killed and over 90 others injured over a Halloween weekend marred by gun violence, with multiple shootings across the country upending celebrations.

— Eduardo Cuevas, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of mar

Noun

So the county is now stepping in, or at least trying to, with its New Roots Eaton Canyon Pilot Program, to test the soil for those living in the burn scar.

— Joy Benedict, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026
On July 8, 2025, monsoon rain hit a burn scar and quickly swelled the Rio Ruidoso and its tributaries.

— Cengiz Yar, ProPublica, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of scar

Verb

The testing represents an important step in assessing whether existing mortar ammunition can be adapted for unmanned delivery without compromising its original design and safety requirements.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2026
Expectations should match the risks involved without compromising independence.

— Avani Desai, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of compromise

Browse Nearby Words

flavorsome

flaw

flawed

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Style

“Flaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flaw. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of flaw

noun

verb

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