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
Eric D. Lawrence, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025
But disabled parenting actually offers practices that can make parenting more humane for everyone: accepting our flaws, relying on community, and rejecting consumerism.
—Jessica Slice, Time, 9 May 2025
Andy Andersen, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2025
Study challenges flawed hypothesis The study challenges the leading hypothesis that the formation of molecular oxygen (O₂) within the cathode material was responsible for the voltage fade and capacity drop observed in these batteries.
—Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for flaw
Noun
The problem was, New Yorkers of that year had a flaw that even our auto writers didn’t know about yet.
—Eric D. Lawrence, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025
But disabled parenting actually offers practices that can make parenting more humane for everyone: accepting our flaws, relying on community, and rejecting consumerism.
—Jessica Slice, Time, 9 May 2025
Verb
And there’s no question Brian Tyree Henry’s unique abilities as an actor tap into the same deep well of screen presence and emotional integrity that flowed through Hackman’s work, no matter how flawed the character.
—Andy Andersen, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2025
Study challenges flawed hypothesis The study challenges the leading hypothesis that the formation of molecular oxygen (O₂) within the cathode material was responsible for the voltage fade and capacity drop observed in these batteries.
—Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for flaw
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flaw
Noun
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Isaac soon betrays and murders the soldiers, including Peck's character, and defects to the Washington Liberation Front.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
6 May 2025
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In the new suit, lawyers for the board presented a detailed explanation of defects in the tower that emerged from the start.—
Dionne Searcey,
New York Times,
4 May 2025
Verb
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All of the 37 public hospitals in Khartoum have been severely damaged and looted, Saad said.—
Emmanuel Akinwotu,
NPR,
16 May 2025
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Without being able to urinate it out, like healthy people do, the ammonia would build up and damage first his brain and then his whole body.—
Karen Weintraub,
USA Today,
16 May 2025
Noun
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This fungal disease causes yellow blotches on pumpkins, tomato leaves, squash and cucumbers.—
Clarence Schmidt,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Apr. 2025
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Photos depict a heartbreaking sight, with Hector’s rib cage protruding through his weakened body as red blotches line his ivory and brown coat.—
TJ Macias,
Miami Herald,
7 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The Mavericks had a season marred by injuries and executed a trade that not only shocked the NBA but also enraged fans.—
Jason Jones,
New York Times,
13 May 2025
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Finding an innovative, sustainable path to parity—without triggering the kind of prolonged labor disputes that have marred the sport’s past—will do far more for the game than any piece of equipment ever could.—
John Cairney,
Sportico.com,
15 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Sachiko is a glamorous, modern-minded social outcast, marginalized both for her rejection of Japanese patriarchy and the scars of her and Mariko’s radiation exposure following the 1945 Nagasaki bombings.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
21 May 2025
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Her aim is to disguise the scar that would give away her status as seemingly the sole person to survive being bitten without turning — or, as Ellie puts it, a chance to wear short sleeves again.—
Keith Phipps,
Vulture,
19 May 2025
Verb
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That may change if substantive progress isn’t seen in a few weeks; Vance and Rubio have stated numerous times that at some point, Washington will have no choice but to walk away if Zelenskyy and Putin are unable to compromise.—
Daniel DePetris,
Chicago Tribune,
20 May 2025
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Michaels’ position is that the landing rig was inadequate for the stunt, and it was compromised by the performers who fell before her.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
19 May 2025
Verb
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According to the Associated Press, no one was injured during the incident, citing court documents.—
Becca Longmire,
People.com,
14 May 2025
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Two people were injured and a dozen apartments left uninhabitable following an early morning fire Wednesday at a three-story apartment building, the second residential fire in Elgin in less than a week.—
Courier-News,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 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 24 May. 2025.
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