flaw 1 of 2

noun

ˈflȯ How to pronounce flaw (audio)
Definition of flawnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
Barring any deal-breaking flaws, Meta wins this matchup on paper. — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2026 The gap illustrates the foundational flaws in a program that fails to balance affordability, flood protection and cost to taxpayers. — Michael Phillis, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026
Verb
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 This analysis made several assumptions, some of which were flawed (though entirely reasonably). — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for flaw
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flaw
  1. defect
  2. damage
  3. blotch
  4. mar
  5. scar
  6. compromise
  7. injure
  8. cripple
Noun
  • Elimination of surface wrinkles and structural defects led to the optimization of all three layers of the solar cell for peak energy capture.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Established in 2015, the EAFF aims to help people with amputations or limb defects gain access to amputee soccer throughout Europe.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of defect
Verb
  • Depending on the system and target, the heat can damage sensors, electronics, structural components or other critical parts.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Sympathize with those who have been harmed, and who were damaged by that harm.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 2 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
  • But his more impressive follow-up LP, 2022’s River Fools & Mountain Saints, seemed to be marred by its rollout, or lack thereof.
    — Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The episode called to mind the hot mic that marred the Toronto Raptors’ postseason news conference in April 2025.
    — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of mar
Noun
  • Sanitation crews are also working to clear debris and shore up burn scar areas to mitigate flood risks, Mayor Karen Bass’ office said in a statement.
    — Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
  • C’mon, isn’t the prospect of a scar on your nose another good reason to reach for sunscreen daily?
    — Elizabeth Siegel, Allure, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of scar
Verb
  • That persistence is why deleting a suspicious app may not be enough once RatHat fully compromises a phone.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The international community’s ability to manage safe travel and secure banking, communications and quality standards for food, water, and medicine could all be compromised, too.
    — Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of compromise
Verb
  • Since the Iran war began, there has been increasing confusion over the number of troops who have been injured and killed, unlike in many other overseas conflicts when data is reported routinely.
    — Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Some horses come in severely injured, which is no longer necessarily a death sentence.
    — Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of injure
Verb
  • Wildflower opened in 2024, when the industry was crippled by shrinking studio budgets and reeling from the aftermath of twin labor strikes.
    — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026
  • The ceaseless Russian drone attacks on cities and towns aim to wear down Ukraine’s resistance and cripple the Ukrainian economy.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of cripple

Browse Nearby Words

flavorsome
flaw
flawed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Flaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flaw. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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