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
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
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Recent Examples of flaw
Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2025
When decisions are made by any medical organization with financial interests, the primary impetus of the Oath is lost; the AMA’s control over payment schedules reinforces and exemplifies a corrupt institutional flaw.
—David Marks, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2025
Charles E. Sydnor, Baltimore Sun, 30 July 2025
Despite its strengths, SpaceX couldn’t triumph in this new age, because the idea of commercialization was inherently flawed.
—Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for flaw
Noun
This video demonstrates a serious flaw many make when installing deck railing posts.
—Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2025
When decisions are made by any medical organization with financial interests, the primary impetus of the Oath is lost; the AMA’s control over payment schedules reinforces and exemplifies a corrupt institutional flaw.
—David Marks, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2025
Verb
For those who believe the process was flawed, democracy provides a remedy; work to have the process modified.
—Charles E. Sydnor, Baltimore Sun, 30 July 2025
Despite its strengths, SpaceX couldn’t triumph in this new age, because the idea of commercialization was inherently flawed.
—Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for flaw
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flaw
Noun
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Think of it as smarter tools for everyday problems: • Quality Inspections: Instead of relying on tired eyes and manual checklists, manufacturers are using AI to flag defects in real time.—
Bill Rokos,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
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By contrast, one of the most robust studies on SSRI use in pregnancy found no significant increase in congenital heart defects or most other major malformations when SSRIs were used in the first trimester, adds Dr. Batista.—
Sherri Gordon,
Parents,
5 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Only one public building was damaged in Lincoln, according to Chief of Staff Rhonda Hulse.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
6 Aug. 2025
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Extreme heat in 2023 had damaged the quality of rice, causing an acute shortage last year that was exacerbated by the government’s misreading of supply and demand.—
Reuters,
CNN Money,
6 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Its back has orange and gray markings with a scattering of darker brown blotches.—
Aspen Pflughoeft
Updated July 9,
Miami Herald,
9 July 2025
-
The baby was purple-gray-colored, in blotches; wet, smeared in blood and what looked like whitish wax.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 July 2025
Verb
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Both votes were marred by what prosecutors said was a massive vote-buying scheme orchestrated by Shor, who has spent much of his time in Russia since he was convicted for his role in the 2014 theft of $1 billion from Moldovan banks.—
Christian Edwards,
CNN Money,
5 Aug. 2025
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Economically and socially liberal, though marred by colonial exploitation, Dutch society flourished.—
Michael James Rocha,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 Aug. 2025
Noun
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And based on the dog's scars, the foster mother believes she had also been abused, leading Meadow to be hesitant about humans.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Aug. 2025
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The Elbe is a living laboratory, where old scars have become the fertile ground for a new, vibrant ecosystem.—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes.com,
11 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Responsible democratic governments serious about making immigration politically viable must also be willing to compromise.—
Alexander Kustov,
Foreign Affairs,
12 Aug. 2025
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But Dickinson stayed focused, made strategic shifts, and refused to compromise.—
Michael Harley,
Forbes.com,
12 Aug. 2025
Verb
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However, Friesen was severely injured in an accident during the Super DIRTcar Series race at Canada’s Autodrome Drummond last weekend.—
Joseph Wolkin,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
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Neither victim was physically injured during the encounter.—
Pioneer Press,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Aug. 2025
Verb
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About six weeks ago, hackers crippled the computer systems of the TV and mobile phone provider Dish Network.—
Shira Ovide,
Washington Post,
4 Apr. 2023
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Oakland Mills Coach: Chris Brewington Last season: Class 2A state champion Outlook: Losing the talent Oakland Mills did from last year’s outdoor season would cripple most programs, but the Scorpions have reloaded.—
Anthony Maluso,
Baltimore Sun,
22 Mar. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Flaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flaw. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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