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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of flaw
Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 18 July 2025
Basically, Lydia’s only fatal flaw in this particular lip sync was… not being Jorgeous.
—Andy Swift, TVLine, 18 July 2025
Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025
If a healthcare organization is building AI initiatives using data from a repository filled with errors or gaps, the resulting output will be flawed.
—David Lareau, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for flaw
Noun
The Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning actor also acknowledged that American liberals also have a number of flaws, but emphasized his belief that the Democratic Party is better than the alternative.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 18 July 2025
Basically, Lydia’s only fatal flaw in this particular lip sync was… not being Jorgeous.
—Andy Swift, TVLine, 18 July 2025
Verb
Our ability to detect effort has always been flawed.
—Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025
If a healthcare organization is building AI initiatives using data from a repository filled with errors or gaps, the resulting output will be flawed.
—David Lareau, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for flaw
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flaw
Noun
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Recent precedents from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals (which Hawaii is part of) establish that technology companies can be held liable for design defects that create foreseeable risks of harm.—
Tamlyn Hunt,
Scientific American,
22 July 2025
-
State law requires plaintiffs to enter a pre-suit process that aims to resolve construction defect claims without resorting to litigation.—
Susannah Bryan,
Sun Sentinel,
17 July 2025
Verb
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Anything that damages the trust between the vendor, Microsoft, and the user is as much a threat as the hackers themselves, in my never humble opinion.—
Davey Winder,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
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Driving through deep water can also damage a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
14 July 2025
Noun
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The loaches are generally brown and yellow, with saddle-like blotches along their backs, according to the study.—
Irene Wright
July 9,
Miami Herald,
9 July 2025
-
It’s usually identified by its white, fleshy taproot with reddish spots that resemble a parsnip, along with hollow stems marked by small purple blotches, according to the N.C. State Extension.—
Evan Moore,
Charlotte Observer,
27 May 2025
Verb
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During questioning at the Austin Police Department, Mejia marred her credibility and inadvertently presented herself as a compulsive liar by initially telling police different stories about how Casiano was burned.—
Bianca Moreno-Paz,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
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Processing The Hulkster’s legacy in real-time is tough — not just because of his greatness, but because of the blemishes that marred his career inside and outside the ring.—
Carl Lamarre,
Billboard,
24 July 2025
Noun
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Steer hides are like any other hides, including yours, and they’re sometimes covered with the scratches and scars of a life lived.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
31 July 2025
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If untreated, these patches can lead to scars and permanent hair loss.—
Sarah Jividen,
Verywell Health,
29 July 2025
Verb
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No matter what compromises Lucas and our farsighted mayor at the time, Rahm Emanuel, offered, there was no compromise from this group.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
31 July 2025
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In terms of its dairy, Berg wouldn’t compromise on sourcing grass-fed.—
Andrew Watman,
Forbes.com,
31 July 2025
Verb
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Shooting comes 3 years after another incident The July 25 shooting comes less than three years after another fatal attack at a University of New Mexico housing building left one student dead and three campus visitors injured.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
25 July 2025
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Those deaths included two sisters, ages 5 and 4, who were strangled by the same man who had just strangled their mother in front of them, and a 2-month-old boy who was being held in his mother’s arms as his father repeatedly punched her, fatally injuring the infant.—
Ashley Luthern,
jsonline.com,
24 July 2025
Verb
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About six weeks ago, hackers crippled the computer systems of the TV and mobile phone provider Dish Network.—
Shira Ovide,
Washington Post,
4 Apr. 2023
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Oakland Mills Coach: Chris Brewington Last season: Class 2A state champion Outlook: Losing the talent Oakland Mills did from last year’s outdoor season would cripple most programs, but the Scorpions have reloaded.—
Anthony Maluso,
Baltimore Sun,
22 Mar. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Flaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flaw. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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