FALLS FLAT Synonyms: 56 Similar and Opposite Words

falls flat

phrase

present tense third-person singular of fall flat

as in collapses

to be unsuccessful Her performance fell flat despite weeks of rehearsing.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in falls short

to go wrong Their game plan fell flat when their star player suffered an injury.

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 falls flat The overly matchy look combined with the heaviness of the red-toned stain on cherry wood looks tired and falls flat design-wise. — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Aug. 2026 On the downside, the Scarecrow (Cillian Murphy) isn’t fleshed out enough and the chemistry between Bale and Katie Holmes, as an assistant DA and the childhood friend of Bruce’s, falls flat. — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 14 July 2026 The Song of Ice and Fire, passed down from one Targaryen king to another all these years, falls flat here. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for falls flat

falls short

Phrase

Make sure any profit from future sales will be enough to cover your financing costs — including interest and fees — even if demand falls short of your expectations.

— Carson Brunson, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026
That is where so much of the current AI conversation still falls short.

— Glenn Llopis, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of falls short

Browse Nearby Words

falls down

falls flat

falls for

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Falls flat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/falls%20flat. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of falls flat

phrase

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

apiary

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes