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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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

Nolan’s son then pointed out a potential flaw in his father’s logic. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 9 July 2026 The researchers say the inability of LLMs to provide the correct location is an inherent flaw that arises from training biases or from misinterpretations of instructions within the current context. — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 8 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

In most cases, a brittle solid will have a teeny, tiny defect — a crack at the scale of tens of nanometers.

— Rohini Subrahmanyam, Quanta Magazine, 10 July 2026
The Adidas Defender 5 bag comes with the brand’s lifetime warranty, which covers material and/or workmanship defects (normal wear and tear is to be expected and not covered).

— Tim Chan, Footwear News, 9 July 2026

Definition of defect

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

While Folarin Balogun and Malik Tillman delivered standout performances, Christian Pulisic's tournament was marred by injuries and a lack of goals.

— Michael Lewis, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Especially the guy who bangs a wrecking ball against the historic East Wing to make room for an incongruous ballroom monstrosity, who mars the sacred Oval Office with gold glitter and paves over the lovely Rose Garden.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

Definition of mar

Noun

Sun exposure can darken new scars permanently and slow their healing, so Min recommended keeping them covered as much as possible.

— Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 13 July 2026
Due to flooding risks heightened by the Claremont Fire’s burn scar, the National Weather Service is closely monitoring conditions of the Freestone Creek Basin near the Military Reserve.

— Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 13 July 2026

Definition of scar

Verb

Crews were able to reach the warehouse’s roof during their initial response but were forced to retreat when an ammonia line was compromised and a large stream of the chemical shot out, Los Angeles Fire Chief Jaime Moore told reporters.

— Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
But to play two knockout matches without conceding even a sniff of a chance is hugely impressive — especially considering Deschamps hasn’t compromised on his unusually daring approach of using four proper attackers.

— Michael Cox, New York Times, 10 July 2026

Definition of compromise

Verb

Utah Jazz guard Trey Alexander was taken from the court on stretcher Monday night after appearing to injure his side on a drive to the basket in an NBA Summer League game against the Chicago Bulls.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 July 2026
With Isak returning late from the World Cup and Hugo Ekitike injured, Danns has the ideal opportunity to put himself in Iraola’s thoughts.

— Andy Jones, New York Times, 14 July 2026

Definition of injure

Verb

Data loss via staff cuts Widespread staff cuts starting in early 2025 across the Department of Health and Human Services, which houses the CDC, crippled much of the agency’s data collection and dissemination.

— John Kubale, The Conversation, 8 July 2026
Florida didn’t have the cap space to work out the shorter term deal without crippling its ability to make other moves this offseason to enhance the roster.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 3 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 15 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of flaw

noun

verb

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