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
Relevance
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
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
Virginia La Torre Jeker,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
The readable narrative explores the men’s virtues and flaws and captures their contrasting personalities.
—
Barbara Spindel,
Christian Science Monitor,
1 July 2026
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
Noun
However, significant exclusions for Americans abroad and mixed-nationality families pose a structural flaw if these accounts become central to future retirement policy, raising questions about their ultimate role.
—
Virginia La Torre Jeker,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
The readable narrative explores the men’s virtues and flaws and captures their contrasting personalities.
—
Barbara Spindel,
Christian Science Monitor,
1 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
-
Conducted at Longcheer Technology’s electronics manufacturing facility, the robots carried out tasks including tablet inspection, defect sorting, and material transport without interruption.
-
Roughly one-third of congenital heart defects in children with Down syndrome resolve naturally, and many need only a minor intervention.
Verb
-
Some of these storms could be severe and deliver damaging wind gusts, but any thunderstorm will contain lightning — a major danger for any outdoor activities, especially for anyone trying to escape the heat in or on the water.
-
Diseases that damage the kidneys and impair their ability to filter blood were blamed for 55,081 deaths in 2024.
Noun
-
Verticillium wilt causes similar blotches and yellowing.
-
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.
Verb
-
The World Cup group stage was marred for fans whose experiences mirrored Ramroop’s, leading FIFA and third-party platforms like StubHub to point fingers at each other amid the fallout.
-
His previous loan at Girona was marred by injuries, impacting his World Cup aspirations.
Noun
-
South Africa on Tuesday faces a major test for a state already stretched and carrying the scars of violence from years prior.
-
An 18-year-old man with autism was repeatedly beaten and burned by his father and stepmother, resulting in his body being left covered with scars, according to investigators in North Carolina.
Verb
-
Paired with the Arach&Cloz Crewneck Sweater and Cushionaire Weston Flats, this outfit has an air of sophistication without compromising its cool, casual comfort.
-
Even professionals in their prime walked away rather than risk compromising their brains.
Verb
-
The Jackson County charges came after police accused Sanchez-Munoz in a series of shootings in Kansas City that left one man, Jeremy Keenan, dead and four others injured on June 16.
-
French and Ukrainian media reported that a Ukrainian magnate and his family were those injured.
Verb
-
Sanctions on remittance and food delivery apps could further cripple the island nation, María José Espinosa, executive director of the Center for Engagement and Advocacy in the Americas, said.
-
As a result, teams across the league have become more wary about handing out big-money, long-term deals in free agency, as one mistake has the potential to cripple a franchise.
Cite this Entry
“Flaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flaw. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
