1
as in to die
to stop functioning
my car failed just as I was about to head to work
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to collapse
to be unsuccessful
despite all the publicity, the movie failed miserably at the box office
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to disappoint
to fall short in satisfying the expectation or hope of
although the minor-league franchise continues to fail local fans, hope springs eternal
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to weaken
to lose bodily strength or vigor
ever since she reached the age of 90, Grandma has been noticeably failing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to forget
to miss the opportunity or obligation
failed to mention that he was looking for new job
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 fail
But nuance fails in online platforms designed to boost and sustain engagement and promote content likely to provoke a reaction from users.
—
Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 20 Sep. 2025
The patient’s health continued to deteriorate while [the nurse] failed to respond to calls.
—Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 20 Sep. 2025
After initially qualifying in 18th, the Frenchman's Haas VF-25 failed the rear wing main-plane tip deflection test which led to the disqualification.
—Lydia Mee, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Sep. 2025
When all else was failing, the option of throwing a jump ball to T-Mac — drafted No. 8 overall for exactly this sort of situation — should have been utilized.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fail
Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 20 Sep. 2025
The patient’s health continued to deteriorate while [the nurse] failed to respond to calls.
—Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 20 Sep. 2025
After initially qualifying in 18th, the Frenchman's Haas VF-25 failed the rear wing main-plane tip deflection test which led to the disqualification.
—Lydia Mee, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Sep. 2025
When all else was failing, the option of throwing a jump ball to T-Mac — drafted No. 8 overall for exactly this sort of situation — should have been utilized.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fail
Verb
-
Josh Jung’s two-out swinging bunt died on the infield near the third-base line and plated Joc Pederson, who had opened the frame with a ground-rule double and advanced to third on Adolis Garcia’s groundout.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
20 Sep. 2025
-
Unlike most mass shooters who expect to die during their attacks, an expert tells Fox News Digital that Robinson devised escape routes and left behind a detailed digital trail.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
20 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The Klamath tribes, for instance, have passed down a story about the creation of Oregon’s Crater Lake, formed about 7,700 years ago, after Mount Mazama erupted and collapsed into itself.—
Dan Piepenbring,
Harpers Magazine,
19 Sep. 2025
-
And if the environment collapses; communities cannot thrive either.—
Christopher Marquis,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Harry Kane mimicked that achievement against Chelsea on Wednesday as Bayern Munich disappointed Chelsea in their Champions League headliner and won 3-1 in Bavaria.—
Kilty Cleary,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 Sep. 2025
-
Acosta has maintained his defense of the plea agreement but admitted he was disappointed and frustrated that Epstein was ultimately granted work release by Palm Beach County at the time.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The Federal Reserve is closely watching spending trends as policymakers debate a path for interest rate cuts — with the first trim expected Wednesday — but signs of a weakening labor market loom over the economy.—
semafor.com,
semafor.com,
19 Sep. 2025
-
While the greenback has depreciated against other major currencies this year, with the dollar index tumbling over 10%, those currencies have also weakened in value relative to gold, Dalio said, noting that gold has become the second largest reserve currency globally.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Critics are waxing nostalgic for the edgy and outrageous comments of social critic humorists such as Dick Gregory, Mort Sahl, George Carlin, and Don Imus, forgetting that none of those figures were ever the host of a broadcast network TV show.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
19 Sep. 2025
-
And don't forget to follow Allure on Instagram and TikTok—or subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on all things beauty.—
Lily Wohlner,
Allure,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Then, in Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks, things came crashing down to earth with a 31-17 loss to even up at 1-1.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Axie Infinity boomed in 2021 when its tokens soared but crashed in 2022, illustrating how external price swings can boost or break a game economy overnight.—
Dmitrii Khasanov,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
At least one child in Michigan died of hepatitis B infection that year, who was missed, according to a CDC MMWR report, due to improper documentation.—
Dr. Jade Cobern,
ABC News,
18 Sep. 2025
-
The Mets had World Series aspirations when the season started, but are now in danger of missing the postseason altogether.—
Aaliyan Mohammed,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Brenner concluded by reminding those on one end of a fading friendship to consider the nature of relationships over time—and how sometimes, things might just come back around.—
Maria Morava,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 Sep. 2025
-
Union Jacks flap gently in the breeze; a golden slither of evening sun drapes a row of cottages; a red postbox, still bearing the initials of the late Queen, stands outside a village church, bathed in the fading light.—
Rob Picheta,
CNN Money,
20 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fail. Accessed 23 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share