flaw 1 of 2

noun

ˈflȯ How to pronounce flaw (audio)
Definition of flawnext
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

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
Noun
OpenAI says researchers used GPT-6 Cyber to find 81 previously unknown, high-severity Firefox vulnerabilities and develop working exploits for 948 Linux kernel vulnerabilities, including 588 previously unknown flaws. — Wen Shao, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2026 Consider Anthropic’s Claude Mythos model, which finds security flaws in banking software faster than banks can fix them. — Shahnaz Bashir, The Conversation, 4 Nov. 2026
Verb
And when the healthcare system is flawed to its core and disinformation about alternative treatments spreads rapidly online? — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2026 That is my background too, and then also not take anyone for granted, have flawed characters but grounded and real, fully, three-dimensional. — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flaw
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flaw
  1. defect
  2. damage
  3. blotch
  4. mar
  5. scar
  6. compromise
  7. injure
  8. cripple
Noun
  • Amid these safety concerns, GE analyzed recent engine defects on the Boeing 787 and determined that thermal fatigue, driven by stress concentrations near cooling holes, is causing low-cycle blade deterioration.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The building already has materials, dimensions, defects, histories, neighbors, owners, previous uses, and established patterns of maintenance or neglect.
    — Julian Rose, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of defect
Verb
  • The company argues that much of the opposition is based on wrong or insufficient information, and contends that its operation wouldn’t drain resources or damage the environment, but would produce a hefty tax revenue boost for Cromwell.
    — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 13 Nov. 2026
  • The researchers found that these structures concentrated electrical activity into tiny hotspots, helping amplify the material’s ability to damage bacterial cells.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 12 Nov. 2026
Definition of damage
Noun
  • Doctors detected abnormal breath sounds, and a scan revealed a round blotch in his right lung—a sign of blood, pus, fluid or tissue—but tests for common pathogens came back negative.
    — Rachel Melegrito, Scientific American, 26 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Definition of blotch
Verb
  • The Chicago Cubs already faced a monumental task this offseason to build out a rotation that was marred by injuries this year and has lost multiple starters to free agency.
    — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2026
  • The findings come as the United Nations’ climate talks get underway in Antalya, Türkiye, and during a year marred by global temperature extremes and climate disasters.
    — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of mar
Noun
  • Filming ‘Roar’ Filming her mother and stepfather’s passion project, Roar, left the young actress with a scar after she was slashed by a lioness on set.
    — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 6 Nov. 2026
  • So the county is now stepping in, or at least trying to, with its New Roots Eaton Canyon Pilot Program, to test the soil for those living in the burn scar.
    — Joy Benedict, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of scar
Verb
  • The testing represents an important step in assessing whether existing mortar ammunition can be adapted for unmanned delivery without compromising its original design and safety requirements.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Expectations should match the risks involved without compromising independence.
    — Avani Desai, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of compromise
Verb
  • No bystanders were injured in the shooting, according to police.
    — DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Police said the occupant of the semitractor-trailer was not injured.
    — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of injure
Verb
  • Gas prices have surged about 37% over the past year as the Middle East conflict crippled the global crude trade.
    — Alex Harring, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The destruction of South Korea’s memory chip fabs would compound this tragedy and cripple the global economy.
    — Dan Blumenthal, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of cripple

Browse Nearby Words

flavorsome
flaw
flawed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Flaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flaw. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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