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

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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
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
  • This allows Vestas to standardize its construction processes, lower costs, and reduce defects.
    — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Brands must also account for products with defects such as stains, mold and incorrect labels—issues that need to be remediated or repaired before the product reaches the consumer.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 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
  • The designer had felt the atmosphere shift after her disastrous outdoor cruise collection in Marseille in May 2024, which was marred by a mini-storm.
    — Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 3 Oct. 2026
  • International observers have described previous elections in Serbia as marred by multiple irregularities and violence.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 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
  • Not only does Jeong-yo have an emotional connection to his music performance that Pi-o struggles to find himself, but Pi-o has injured his pinky in the leadup to the final performance, thanks to his obsessive practicing.
    — Kayti Burt, Time, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Someone else got stabbed, and two other people were allegedly injured.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 5 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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Cite this Entry

“Flaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flaw. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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