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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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

Know More Baker’s remarks came amid concerns that advanced AI models could be turned into potent hacking tools, capable of finding and exploiting unknown security flaws with little human direction. — J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 22 Sep. 2026 Other research points to fundamental flaws of SAT and ACT testing, including that students from higher-income families tend to have higher SAT scores. — Beth Kania-Gosche, The Conversation, 22 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

Noun

Elimination of surface wrinkles and structural defects led to the optimization of all three layers of the solar cell for peak energy capture.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 28 Sep. 2026
Established in 2015, the EAFF aims to help people with amputations or limb defects gain access to amputee soccer throughout Europe.

— ABC News, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of defect

Verb

The attack on Kyiv damaged more than 50 civilian sites, including apartment blocks, post offices, a maternity hospital and a textile plant, Vyhivskyi, the interior minister, said.

— HANNA ARHIROVA, Arkansas Online, 25 Sep. 2026
Tests also found that the electrical pulses used for communication did not damage tissue samples.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 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 episode was marred some by a glitch in the show’s voting system; viewers weren’t able to choose their favorites on the DWTS website and had to vote by text.

— Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026
Another interesting option is Yetur Gross-Matos, whose recent stint with the 49ers was marred by a knee issue.

— Matt Barrows, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of mar

Noun

Heavy rain triggered a mudslide in an Inland Empire burn scar on Thursday, according to forecasters.

— Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
This past spring, the singer-guitarist announced that hernia repair surgery left him with a six-and-a-half–inch scar and doctors’ orders never to growl again.

— Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of scar

Verb

In the report, Shedd veterinarians said preexisting sickness likely compromised the whales’ health and left them vulnerable during the relocation process, which involved lifting the belugas by crane and flying them across international borders.

— Lila Hempel-Edgers, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026
Pelleting exposes sensitive vitamins to heat, moisture, pressure and abrasion, while storage can further compromise vitamin stability.

— Aidan Connolly, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of compromise

Verb

Since the Iran war began, there has been increasing confusion over the number of troops who have been injured and killed, unlike in many other overseas conflicts when data is reported routinely.

— Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 28 Sep. 2026
Some horses come in severely injured, which is no longer necessarily a death sentence.

— Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of injure

Verb

Then, after becoming Trojans AD in August 2010, he was tasked with moving the athletic department past crippling NCAA sanctions.

— The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Young men and women went overseas, on orders of presidents, to try to cripple and kill the enemy and its enablers in foreign lands.

— New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of cripple

Browse Nearby Words

flavorsome

flaw

flawed

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“Flaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flaw. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of flaw

noun

verb

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