FLAW Synonyms: 130 Similar and Opposite Words

flaw 1 of 2

noun

ˈflȯ

Definition of flaw

as in defect

something that spoils the appearance or completeness of a thing noted the flaw in the diamond before I bought it

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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

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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

Though not without its flaws, Americans want to help, and that is what USAID really understood. — Fatma Tanis, NPR, 3 July 2026 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

Verb

This analysis made several assumptions, some of which were flawed (though entirely reasonably). — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 10 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

Creating a quantum sensor out of a defect One of the biggest challenges in industrial energy management is visibility.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 4 July 2026
The lawsuit said this defect helped cause Avila's death and the harm the family suffered.

— Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026

Definition of defect

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.

— Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
Diseases that damage the kidneys and impair their ability to filter blood were blamed for 55,081 deaths in 2024.

— Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026

Definition of damage

Noun

Verticillium wilt causes similar blotches and yellowing.

— Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 June 2026
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.

— Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026

Definition of blotch

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.

— Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 29 June 2026
His previous loan at Girona was marred by injuries, impacting his World Cup aspirations.

— Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026

Definition of mar

Noun

Although Chicago had its issues with redlining and massive disinvestment that left generational scars on some primarily Black neighborhoods, the small town ethos held little sway over me.

— Dawn M. Turner, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Adding these impacts to the early Earth’s heat budget, though, proved rather challenging because Earth has a peculiar way of healing its scars.

— Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 5 July 2026

Definition of scar

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.

— Aly Walansky, Travel + Leisure, 3 July 2026
Even professionals in their prime walked away rather than risk compromising their brains.

— Tim Graham, New York Times, 2 July 2026

Definition of compromise

Verb

On Sunday, Russia bombarded Ukraine’s capital city of Kyiv with dozens of missiles and hundreds of strike drones, killing at least 11 and injuring scores more, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and media reports.

— Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 7 July 2026
The shootings, which also injured four people, occurred at two Fourth of July block parties about two miles apart, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

— Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026

Definition of injure

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.

— Rick Jervis, USA Today, 1 July 2026
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.

— Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of cripple

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flavorsome

flaw

flawed

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“Flaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flaw. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of flaw

noun

verb

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