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

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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

While Loathe’s baffling compositional choices may jump out first, the album’s most glaring flaw is its production. — Patrick Lyons, Pitchfork, 16 July 2026 The two met through their institutional trading work and, after seeing first-hand the flaws in existing prediction markets, decided to build Pascal for professional traders who need better tools. — Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 16 July 2026

Verb

Meanwhile, many of Montana’s landowners consider the entire discussion flawed, because corner-crossers could upset a precarious balance between agricultural producers and sportsmen. — Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 4 June 2026 Yet, that decision was quickly challenged by neighbors, who worried about the disruptive noise from these concerts and argued that San Jose’s environmental process was flawed. — Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for flaw

Recent Examples of Synonyms for flaw

Noun

Derek Downey, an expert in pool failure analysis who frequently testifies as an expert witness in construction defect lawsuits, recommends placing a separate material, such as tile and grout, between pool sections.

— Maura Judkis, Washington Post, 16 July 2026
Instead of relying entirely on manual video reviews, technicians will use software that analyzes inspection footage and flags potential defects for closer examination.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 15 July 2026

Definition of defect

Verb

Electrical generation units were damaged in the attack, Kuwait’s Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy said in a statement.

— Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
The city of La Guaira has borne the brunt of the devastation, though the capital city of Caracas has also seen buildings damaged and evacuated by the hundreds and essential services knocked out.

— Cristina Guevara, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2026

Definition of damage

Noun

Verticillium wilt causes similar blotches and yellowing.

— Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 June 2026
Pine snakes can grow up to 56 inches in length, have black, brown, and russet scales with dark blotches along their backs, and are noted for having a pointed nose, which experts believe may help with burrowing.

— Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026

Definition of blotch

Verb

Yet, money problems, sinister people and devastating setbacks also mar their experience.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 9 July 2026
He was elected in a landslide in July 2024, but quit after two years in office marred by missteps and judgment errors that eroded his standing with his party and the public.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 July 2026

Definition of mar

Noun

In Uvalde — where the scars of the 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting remain impossible to ignore — one person was killed and dozens of homes were destroyed, compounding years of the community’s collective grief.

— Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Caught in each other’s orbit, tenderly touching their matching neck scars, lovingly attuned to one another.

— Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Definition of scar

Verb

Four ethics experts told ProPublica that by accepting the premium tickets Trusty and Carr compromised the FCC’s impartiality and should not take part in any upcoming decision on the merger.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 17 July 2026
The most obvious example is the benefit for students who do not have to pay international tuition fees while going to college or university without compromising their current legal status in their home country.

— Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of compromise

Verb

Russia has been doing this since the start of the war, terrorizing Ukrainian cities with aerial assaults that have killed thousands of civilians and crippled much of the country’s energy grid for months on end.

— Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 15 July 2026
Washington denounces Cuba’s overseas medical missions as exploitative and presses allies to drop them, but Calabria’s governor says losing the doctors would cripple care and vows to keep them.

— Paolo Santalucia, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026

Definition of cripple

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flavorsome

flaw

flawed

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“Flaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flaw. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of flaw

noun

verb

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