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
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 29 Apr. 2026
These flaws are generally a result of the particular design failures of that brand’s unique item.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 29 Apr. 2026
Jessica Vantine Birkenholtz, The Conversation, 24 Mar. 2026
Player recruitment was muddled, managerial appointments flawed (Remi Garde lasted 147 days in that relegation season) and the team underperformed.
—Stuart James, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for flaw
Noun
This molecular-level consistency enables absolute temperature readings that don’t fluctuate due to the sensor’s inherent flaws.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 29 Apr. 2026
These flaws are generally a result of the particular design failures of that brand’s unique item.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
In addition to the pious, persevering Goma and flawed Chandravati in the mortal realm, in the divine realm there are the goddesses Sati and her reincarnation as Parvati.
—Jessica Vantine Birkenholtz, The Conversation, 24 Mar. 2026
Player recruitment was muddled, managerial appointments flawed (Remi Garde lasted 147 days in that relegation season) and the team underperformed.
—Stuart James, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for flaw
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flaw
Noun
-
The dogs [which carried the same genetic defect for LCA as humans] had the funny eye movements.—
Lauren J. Young,
Scientific American,
4 May 2026
-
While the Allen and Morens prosecutions move forward, the factual and legal defects in the SPLC and Comey indictments suggest that both defendants will likely succeed in any effort to get their cases tossed out of court.—
Quinta Jurecic,
The Atlantic,
3 May 2026
Verb
-
The Trinity fire, which started May 1 in Phelan, burned 19 acres with no structures damaged, though the blaze destroyed an unknown number of Joshua trees.—
Blanca Begert,
Los Angeles Times,
3 May 2026
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They’re specifically designed for glass cooktop surfaces and have two sides—a gritty, sandpaper-like one on one side and a soft sponge on the other that gently scrub off stubborn messes and stuck-on bits without scratching or damaging the glass.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
3 May 2026
Noun
-
This was a black one with blotches faintly outlined in pale yellow, a beautiful but deadly looking animal.—
Dr. C. E. Kuschel,
Outdoor Life,
9 Apr. 2026
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The eggs vary in color—from white to blue to brown—with speckles, blotches, and other markings and are also distinctive in shape.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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That project was marred by a labor investigation, which BYD and its contractors settled late last year.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
1 May 2026
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May Day rallies in Turkey are frequently marred by clashes with authorities.—
Sylvie Corbet,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
Noun
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The legislation is named for the Charlotte 6-year-old found dead in her aunt’s home last year covered in scars and malnourished.—
Mary Ramsey
May 4,
Charlotte Observer,
4 May 2026
-
The pain is much deeper than the scars.—
Jermont Terry,
CBS News,
2 May 2026
Verb
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Rampart’s damage-tolerant design and payload flexibility are intended to support operations where aircraft may be lost without compromising overall mission effectiveness.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Fowlie has reason to believe Downer’s phone and social media were compromised in the weeks preceding her disappearance.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Police said the driver of the SUV was not injured and is cooperating with investigators.—
Shambhavi Rimal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Joshua Jahn, 29, killed a detainee, injured two others and fatally shot himself.—
Michael Ruiz,
FOXNews.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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That has crippled Iran’s two biggest non-oil exports, and higher prices have affected everything from plastics to pipes, to fabrics and packaging for groceries like milk, butter and cheese.—
Amir-Hussein Radjy,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
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That has crippled Iran’s two biggest non-oil exports, and higher prices have affected everything from plastics to pipes, to fabrics and packaging for groceries like milk, butter and cheese.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Flaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flaw. Accessed 6 May. 2026.
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