FLUNKED Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

flunked

verb

past tense of flunk

as in failed

to be unsuccessful the movie flunks, both as entertainment and as a dramatization of a historical incident

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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 flunked Incredibly, as much as people believe football gets players in the best shape of their life, Fine once flunked his conditioning test for lacrosse after playing football. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026 The Orioles flunked their 3rd rounder a few years ago and gave that money to their 17th rounder, Carter Young. — Keith Law, New York Times, 17 July 2026 John has just flunked the bar for the second time, and his job at the DA’s office — which has a three-strike policy — is in peril. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2026 The company was born from the will of a man who grew up dirt-poor in Baltimore, flunked fifth grade, served in Vietnam and became a billionaire. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2026 Ultragenyx lost more than $1 billion in market value after its bone drug flunked late-stage clinical trials. — Amy Feldman, Forbes.com, 7 Jan. 2026 But, ultimately, the Rockies flunked, losing a 4-3 gut-puncher when the Mariners scored three runs in the eighth off relievers Juan Mejia and Victor Vodnik. — Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 24 Sep. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for flunked

Verb

Since democracy was restored in 1989, no candidate who failed to win the first round of voting has gone on to win the presidency in the second round.

— Catherine Osborn, NPR, 26 Oct. 2026
That plan failed when then-Senate President Susan Wagle refused to bring the bill to the floor for a vote.

— Jack Harvel October 25, Kansas City Star, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of failed

Verb

The notorious Grand Theft Auto 6 leaker seems to be hitting pause after the group’s newest effort to rake in funds appears to have flopped.

— Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 14 Oct. 2026
Meta’s previous efforts in this space and its big bet on the metaverse have largely flopped, but the company is convinced things will be different this time.

— Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of flopped

Verb

Sexton, who missed all five preseason games, was a full participant in practice Monday and did not suffer a setback, Redick said.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
When working as a rural OB-GYN, Marshall sued over 700 patients, leading to 81 arrests when patients missed court dates and failed to repay their bills.

— Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of missed

Verb

The 3-3 Knights have struggled in the Big 12 since joining the conference, but tend to be better at home in the friendly confines of the Acrisure Bounce House.

— Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026
The shift signals a turning point for the left, which has historically struggled to counter the far-right’s dominant online presence and savvy digital strategy.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of struggled

Verb

Deadline hears that the BBC has held tentative discussions about whether Sounds could be folded in with iPlayer to create a single streaming service for video and audio, not unlike Netflix and YouTube.

— Max Goldbart, Deadline, 24 Oct. 2026
Netflix, for example, puts the TV show or movie on the top half, and video controls on the bottom half when folded in that position.

— Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of folded

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flunk

flunked

flunkies

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Style

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

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Synonyms of flunked

verb

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