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
Relevance
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
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
ArsTechnica, 25 June 2025
These flaws delegitimized the legal order prohibiting the use of force, particularly in the eyes of states in the global South.
—Oona A. Hathaway, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
Hari Sonnenahalli, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
Her ruling finding the permitting process flawed still stands, however, and so the utility is banned from filling the reservoir to its new capacity once the dam is complete.
—Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for flaw
Noun
Over the past seven years, researchers have uncovered multiple attack variants based on the architectural flaws, which are unfixable.
—ArsTechnica, 25 June 2025
These flaws delegitimized the legal order prohibiting the use of force, particularly in the eyes of states in the global South.
—Oona A. Hathaway, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
Verb
If that data is fragmented, outdated or biased, the AI outputs, no matter how advanced the algorithm, will be flawed.
—Hari Sonnenahalli, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
Her ruling finding the permitting process flawed still stands, however, and so the utility is banned from filling the reservoir to its new capacity once the dam is complete.
—Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for flaw
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flaw
Noun
-
Also last year, Stellantis has recalled thousands of Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 cars because of a manufacturing defect that could cause airbags to rupture unexpectedly, resulting in metal fragments flying out, potentially killing passengers.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
28 June 2025
-
They had been expected to argue that severe mental disease or defect caused Purdy not to comprehend that his conduct was wrong.—
Emerson Clarridge,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 June 2025
Verb
-
There is radiological and chemical contamination at the Natanz facility, where an above-ground portion of the fuel enrichment plant was damaged after a military strike on June 13, International Atomic Energy Agency Director-General Rafael Grossi told the United Nations Security Council on Friday.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
21 June 2025
-
Worn restorations: Dental fillings, crowns, and restorations can also become damaged or worn over time, exposing dentin and raising the risk of tooth decay.—
Mark Gurarie,
Health,
21 June 2025
Noun
-
Verticillium wilt causes similar blotches and yellowing.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 June 2025
-
Nebular patches alternate with blotches of jet; just visible in the foreground is a circle of white dots crossed with lines that meet at its center, like a spoked wheel of stars.—
Julian Lucas,
New Yorker,
29 May 2025
Verb
-
They were marred by injuries throughout the season, having entered the season with somewhat high expectations.—
Ricardo Klein,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 June 2025
-
Sunday night’s game was marred by an injury sustained by the Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton, who early in the first quarter went down with what would prove to be a torn Achilles tendon.—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
23 June 2025
Noun
-
Ideally in places where there’s room to breathe and with a little more concern for animals, the environment and those who bear the psychological scars of service.—
Scott Maxwell,
The Orlando Sentinel,
24 June 2025
-
Sudan’s children are living through the world’s largest displacement crisis Since the surge of violence in Sudan in late April 2025, thousands of families have crossed the border into Chad on a daily basis, traumatized and burdened by the scars of war.—
Brice Kevin Da,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
Verb
-
Everyone is compromised and not particularly good at their jobs, but the characters are too flat to register as meaningful.—
Nina Metz,
Chicago Tribune,
25 June 2025
-
Once the user follows through, the system is compromised without needing a traditional exploit.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
25 June 2025
Verb
-
The conflict entered its seventh day on Thursday, with Iran launching a strike that hit a major hospital in Israel, injuring at least 240 people and causing extensive damage.—
Sonam Sheth,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 June 2025
-
The plane broke apart, killing all six people onboard and injuring eight people on the ground.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
19 June 2025
Verb
-
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
-
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 3 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share