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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Kristin Hohenadel, The Spruce, 14 Jan. 2026
This retreat exposes the structural flaw.
—Katica Roy, Fortune, 14 Jan. 2026
Korin Miller, SELF, 24 Nov. 2025
Original studies suggesting a link were flawed and have been discredited.
—Beth Warren, Nashville Tennessean, 22 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for flaw
Noun
Hosting can expose practical flaws, such as whether the table is large enough for guests to dine without feeling cramped.
—Verb
Those studies were later found to be flawed and eventually pulled.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for flaw
Noun
-
Doctors treating him for the sudden cardiac arrest eventually found an undetected heart defect.—
-
Despite incredible progress to reduce the neural tube defects, Hispanic and Latino communities still have an elevated risk of developing these defects.—
Verb
-
Some government offices and financial institutions were damaged during the unrest, residents said, while merchants reported being ordered to reopen businesses despite ongoing security operations.—
-
The gunfire damaged the car’s rear end, trunk, tail light and rear window louver, according to court documents.—
Noun
-
These blotches are fairly plant friendly and produce what is known as algal leaf spot.—
-
Leaves may show blotches and mottled coloring and fruit may remain partially green and irregularly shaped.—
Verb
-
The announcement comes as consumer demand for plug-in hybrids has slowed and federal support for electric powertrains has vanished, while, simultaneously, certain Stellantis 4xe vehicles have been marred by continuous recalls.—
-
Their union was marred by affairs on both sides, perhaps most notably Charles’s ongoing affair with the former Camilla Parker Bowles (now Queen Camilla).—
Noun
-
Those years left scars that never fully healed.—
-
The deep scars of prolonged conflict require time to heal, and enduring progress demands patience, tolerance, and genuine mutual understanding across all segments of Syrian society.—
Verb
-
Its golden, flaky crust gives way to a gooey filling that’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart, proof that allergy-friendly and vegan creations don’t have to compromise on flavor.—
-
By integrating regulated on ramp and off ramp flows into its infrastructure, inabit enables companies to manage the full lifecycle of crypto payments and treasury operations without compromising on custody, control, or regulatory alignment.—
Verb
-
When Dobbins was first injured, a source close to him said the best-case scenario for his return was if the Broncos made the Super Bowl.—
-
Dellandrea was injured in the Sharks’ game on Tuesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets as his right leg struck the post after he was inadvertently tripped while driving to the net.—
Verb
-
Both have endured crippling US sanctions that have precipitated economic collapses.—
-
In November 2021, while massing troops along its border with Ukraine, Russia threatened to cripple GPS if NATO got in the way.—
Cite this Entry
“Flaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flaw. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
