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

Meta had a rogue agent too Meta confirmed one of its models exploited a security flaw during third-party testing after it was inadvertently given internet access, putting it alongside OpenAI and Anthropic in reporting unexpected agent behavior. — Phil Wahba, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026 The journalist, who has her own complex backstory, has uncovered evidence suggesting there are flaws in Kersten’s version of events and wants to confront him on the facts. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 7 Aug. 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

For years, physicists have dreamed of optical chips where light can race around corners and dodge defects without losing information.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 1 Aug. 2026
The girl had been diagnosed with a rare gene defect that produces a neurodevelopmental condition known as Snijders Blok-Campeau syndrome, Science reported.

— Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 31 July 2026

Definition of defect

Verb

But trying to get tanner through more UV light exposure can bring lot of dark, dark risks—such as damaging your skin and in the process raising your risk of skin cancer.

— Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Both human and animal studies found the chemicals damage the ability of mitochondria to make adenosine triphosphate, or ATP.

— Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of damage

Verb

After topping June’s mayoral primary, Karen Bass’ summer has been marred by staff departures, fallout from the fire in Boyle Heights and a rise in citywide homelessness.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026
Patrick Mahomes’ season-ending knee injury in Week 15 further marred and muddled it.

— Vahe Gregorian July 31, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026

Definition of mar

Verb

For the global economy, Russia’s war compromised the global supply chain for fuel and food, exacerbating post-pandemic inflation pressures.

— Lidia Pilecky, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
The district attorney's office declined to prosecute the nearly two dozen remaining cases, with county officials later saying nonprofessionals (Hansen and NBC) compromised the investigation's integrity.

— Julie Hinds, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of compromise

Verb

Last week, Tehran accused Kyiv of striking an Iranian commercial vessel carrying a cargo of iron, killing a seafarer and injuring three others.

— Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
In June 2022, another member of Fox’s swimming club, the Kelp Krawlers, Steve Bruemmer, was bitten and seriously injured while swimming in the same area.

— Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of injure

Verb

Africa desperately needs them, crippled by a fundamental lack of traditional national film funding incentives.

— John Hopewell, Variety, 5 Aug. 2026
Winds cripple aerial firefighting Nearly 500 firefighters and 23 aircraft were deployed, but gale-force winds drove flames through dry forest and crippled the response, preventing some aircraft from reaching the sea to collect water.

— Elena Becatoros, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 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 8 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of flaw

noun

verb

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