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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

The adventure will see Percy confront his fatal flaw and step into Annabeth’s role as the voice of reason in her absence. — Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 21 July 2026 Convention might suggest confronting it with some sort of sell-off, especially if these flaws follow them across the next 14 days. — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 21 July 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

Derek Downey, an expert in pool failure analysis who frequently testifies as an expert witness in construction defect lawsuits, recommends placing a separate material, such as tile and grout, between pool sections.

— Maura Judkis, Washington Post, 16 July 2026
Instead of relying entirely on manual video reviews, technicians will use software that analyzes inspection footage and flags potential defects for closer examination.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 15 July 2026

Definition of defect

Verb

Ho also said Celeste bore two significant penetrating injuries — one wound to her abdomen, which passed through the diaphragm and injured the liver, and the other penetrated the left side of her chest, damaging ribs and entered the chest cavity.

— Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 25 July 2026
Seven neighbors whose property was damaged by the explosion also are plaintiffs in the lawsuit.

— Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026

Definition of damage

Noun

Verticillium wilt causes similar blotches and yellowing.

— Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 June 2026
Pine snakes can grow up to 56 inches in length, have black, brown, and russet scales with dark blotches along their backs, and are noted for having a pointed nose, which experts believe may help with burrowing.

— Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026

Definition of blotch

Verb

To prevent a similar war from happening again, Menelaus scarred her face, permanently marring her famous beauty.

— Tanya Fedak, Variety, 18 July 2026
In an address from the White House tonight, the president sought to reveal proof for his baseless assertions of a 2020 vote marred by fraud.

— Michael Scherer, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026

Definition of mar

Noun

The historical house, owned by Oliver Anderson at the time of the war, the gardens and orchard are still marked with battle scars.

— Zuri Primos July 26, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026
The mental and emotional turmoil following the loss of two men who had been by Joshua’s side for the majority of his professional career will leave a far deeper scar than the physical wounds.

— Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 25 July 2026

Definition of scar

Verb

Concurrently, the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo faces severe international funding shortfalls, severely compromising surveillance and response capabilities.

— Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026
British Airways confirmed to Fox News Digital that one of its pilots became ill during the flight but said the aircraft continued safely to its destination and that the safety of the flight was never compromised.

— Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 23 July 2026

Definition of compromise

Verb

Because control can be distributed across multiple platforms, the loss of a single drone does not necessarily cripple the entire formation.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 21 July 2026
Moses Okello, a senior researcher with the Institute for Security Studies’ Horn of Africa program, told CNN the attacks appear designed to cripple the city’s ability to function rather than simply hit military targets.

— Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 20 July 2026

Definition of cripple

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flavorsome

flaw

flawed

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Style

“Flaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flaw. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of flaw

noun

verb

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