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

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

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

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

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 18 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of flaw

noun

verb

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