DEFECTIVE Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

defective

adjective

di-ˈfek-tiv

Definition of defective

as in imperfect

having a fault promptly took the defective microwave oven back to the store for a replacement

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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 defective How the defective-candidate issue plays out may be especially telling in the battle for Senate control, with Democrats needing a four-seat pickup. — Josh Kraushaar, Washington Post, 13 Oct. 2026 Sprinkler heads can become misaligned, damaged, clogged, or otherwise defective, causing water to spray onto sidewalks and other areas where people walk. — Christyne D. Santisteban, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026 The jury also rejected a countersuit brought by Joby that accused Aerosonic of selling it defective probes. — Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026 The 46-year-old Princeton, New Jersey, dad was born with a defective aortic valve and had two heart surgeries as a child. — Stephanie Stahl, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for defective

Recent Examples of Synonyms for defective

Adjective

Their vastly different theatrical releases make those grosses an imperfect referendum on audience tastes, but the disparity illustrates how differently the industry markets stories about desire.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 26 Oct. 2026
Bold, imperfect beauty looks and paired with personalized scents that are set to shape beauty next year.

— Kanika Talwar, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of imperfect

Adjective

Perhaps less exciting is the fact her failures are more than just the flawed Edison machine.

— Torie Bosch, STAT, 24 Oct. 2026
From a charismatic Formula 1 racing legend to a brilliant but flawed soccer god to a troubled, tragic singer, Academy Award-winning docmaker Asif Kapadia has made a career out of telling the stories of larger-than-life figures.

— Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of flawed

Adjective

Rypkema said the region could look to San Antonio’s Under 1 Roof program, which provides low- to moderate-income homeowners with one-time grants of up to $19,000 to fix worn or damaged roofs.

— Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
There are some health concerns related to PTFE coatings when misused, damaged or excessively heated.

— BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of damaged

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defections

defective

defectively

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“Defective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defective. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of defective

adjective

Example Sentences

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