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

But most of the flaws in Cupertino are relative to its creators’ previous successes. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026 In response, SpaceX has long sponsored a bug bounty program that pays security researchers to find flaws related to Starlink, which now serves over 13 million subscribers. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 6 Oct. 2026

Verb

On the other hand, critics are, well, criticizing the decision, calling the process rushed and flawed. — Leah Olajide, Freep.com, 16 Aug. 2026 This latest issue adds to a growing list of irregularities, including inaccurate online estimates, missing plan options, and flawed spousal loan calculations. — Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for flaw

Recent Examples of Synonyms for flaw

Noun

Indeed, the film almost seems to deliberately court these defects, as if to focus its audience on appreciating the beauty that survives them.

— David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 11 Oct. 2026
But Reddit users say images shared there show something more dramatic that appears to be a defect.

— Terrence O'Brien, The Verge, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of defect

Verb

Refineries in Russia have been destroyed or damaged by drone attacks.

— Matt Egan, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026
Workers included street signs and sidewalks, curbs and stretches of road damaged from the storm, from the heavy equipment that was brought in or trees falling, Kern said.

— Michelle L. Quinn, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of damage

Noun

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
Crews are also using steam to remove blotches of chewing gum, which have turned black over time.

— ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of blotch

Verb

Both Republicans had promoted the narrative that the 2020 election was marred by fraud.

— ABC News, ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026
The tight finish came after a first half with see-saw action — mainly by Stewart — but was marred by whistles and questionable foul calls.

— Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of mar

Noun

In his filing, Wandner recounted that Roberts was 12 years old when his mother killed his father, an experience the attorney said left lasting psychological scars.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026
In Red Ants one story features the magnificent Wintermaker constellation, another a half-moon scar on a wolf’s flank.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of scar

Verb

The bureau is operating as if every FBI employee’s personal information was compromised, the sources said.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026
Researchers at the University of California San Diego and Toyota Research Institute of North America have developed a fluorine-free binder that could make lithium-ion batteries easier to manufacture and recycle without compromising performance.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of compromise

Verb

Monday's attack came a day after a Russian drone struck the village of Pisochyn in the Kharkiv district, killing three people and injuring nine others, including children, according to the Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor's Office.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026
The script was about a last draft-pick NFL player who gets injured on his very first play and returns home to Alaska to become a fisherman.

— Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of injure

Verb

Block that passage, the thinking went, and China’s economy would be crippled.

— Andy Browne, semafor.com, 6 Oct. 2026
In the days after the ceasefire broke down, the Houthis announced a blockade on Saudi shipping, and launched attacks crippling Saudi Arabia’s oil export infrastructure.

— Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of cripple

Browse Nearby Words

flavorsome

flaw

flawed

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“Flaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flaw. Accessed 15 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of flaw

noun

verb

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