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
But more importantly for DJI, a new local-only data mode should go some way to reassuring anyone concerned by the first Romo’s serious security flaws. — Dominic Preston, The Verge, 3 Sep. 2026 The Biden-era EPA issued a draft report raising some concerns — a report Trump officials said had serious flaws. — ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026
Verb
There are so many ways in which this could be flawed—bias, false information, poor evidence handling to name just a few. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 June 2026 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 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
  • The leaves might still be green, and the branches still there, but a huge structural defect may be hidden to property owners who don’t know what to look for.
    — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Even though Vaughn's initial plea was not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect, and a mental status exam was ordered, no pretrial tests were done.
    — Brett Barrouquere, Arkansas Online, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of defect
Verb
  • The missile killed four sailors and damaged the ship’s equipment, but the crew contained the damage and the Hanit limped home.
    — HOLMES LIAO, Foreign Affairs, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Desalination plants in the Gulf have been targeted and damaged during the US-Iran war, raising significant alarm in a region that depends overwhelmingly on this technology.
    — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of damage
Noun
  • Crews are also using steam to remove blotches of chewing gum, which have turned black over time.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The next morning, a galaxy of itchy red bumps and blotches stretched from my shoulder to my hip.
    — Ben Crair, New Yorker, 31 July 2026
Definition of blotch
Verb
  • The election outcome has been marred by reports of the arrest of Mundubile and his running mate, Makebu Zulu.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026
  • However, the approach is marred by low throughput, and the process is also quite complex to execute.
    — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of mar
Noun
  • Burn scars on the landscape from previous wildfires can also rapidly funnel water into dangerous downslope torrents.
    — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Without vegetation, a barren burn scar allows runoff to flow more quickly.
    — Jamie Stengle, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of scar
Verb
  • Researchers also need to determine whether damage can recover without compromising superconducting performance.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The victims were told their bank account, Social Security number or other personal information had been compromised.
    — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of compromise
Verb
  • Hobbs has not practiced since mid-August, Green was injured in the second preseason game and Prysock went down in the finale.
    — Matt Barrows, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Park was awarded a Purple Heart, a distinction for those injured or killed in combat.
    — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of injure
Verb
  • The administration did cripple Iran's nuclear program in 2025 with bombing strikes on various facilities, but since this war began, there's been no effective action taken against its nuclear program.
    — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Shortages of Patriot air defenses leave Ukraine vulnerable as Russia repeatedly builds missile stockpiles, targets energy and private businesses, and seeks to cripple the economy ahead of winter.
    — Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of cripple

Browse Nearby Words

flavorsome
flaw
flawed
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Cite this Entry

“Flaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flaw. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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