1
as in to die
to stop functioning
my car failed just as I was about to head to work
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to collapse
to be unsuccessful
despite all the publicity, the movie failed miserably at the box office
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to disappoint
to fall short in satisfying the expectation or hope of
although the minor-league franchise continues to fail local fans, hope springs eternal
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to weaken
to lose bodily strength or vigor
ever since she reached the age of 90, Grandma has been noticeably failing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to forget
to miss the opportunity or obligation
failed to mention that he was looking for new job
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of fail
So if the Heat do not make the 16-team playoff field (in essence by failing to advance out of the play-in tournament), the Heat would wind up with a 2025 pick in the first 14.
—
Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2025
An effort four years ago to remove Mason’s statue failed.
—Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 15 Mar. 2025
But for some tightness in his groin, Isak could have got in some further practice against Van Dijk in last month’s Premier League match at Anfield — a game in which Newcastle were comfortably beaten after failing to register a single shot on target.
—Mark Carey, The Athletic, 15 Mar. 2025
Aim for Outsized Returns Given that most innovation initiatives will fail, the successful projects must generate returns that justify the overall investment.
—Jessica Mendoza, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fail
Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2025
An effort four years ago to remove Mason’s statue failed.
—Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 15 Mar. 2025
But for some tightness in his groin, Isak could have got in some further practice against Van Dijk in last month’s Premier League match at Anfield — a game in which Newcastle were comfortably beaten after failing to register a single shot on target.
—Mark Carey, The Athletic, 15 Mar. 2025
Aim for Outsized Returns Given that most innovation initiatives will fail, the successful projects must generate returns that justify the overall investment.
—Jessica Mendoza, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fail
Verb
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The funeral for Pope Francis, who died Monday, will take place Saturday at 4 a.m. ET in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City.—
Rebecca Morin,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2025
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Cincinnati freshman offensive lineman Jeremiah Kelly died unexpectedly at 18 years old on Tuesday.—
Ryan Canfield,
FOXNews.com,
22 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The game had barely started when Bentaleb abruptly stopped running, sat down and then collapsed on the ground.—
Tom Williams,
New York Times,
21 Apr. 2025
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But, as ballots were being counted, government authorities announced that the electoral system had collapsed.—
Stephania Taladrid,
New Yorker,
21 Apr. 2025
Verb
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This is an excellent MLB matchup that will not disappoint; make sure to tune in with FuboTV to catch all the action.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Apr. 2025
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Diaz did not disappoint, making quick work of the Cards (9-12) for his fifth save in as many tries.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
19 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Agreeing to a pick swap with the Lynx weakened the value of the pick that the Sky traded away.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Apr. 2025
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One by one, the sectors defect, and, eventually, the leader may weaken and their government may fall.—
Julia Angwin,
New Yorker,
12 Apr. 2025
Verb
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But do not forget to order the beloved DK bacon maple bar.—
Michael Deeds,
Idaho Statesman,
17 Apr. 2025
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Performances from more than 40 artists, including headliners Post Malone, Stevie Nicks and Noah Kahan, along with a variety of food and retail vendors made, for an exciting weekend guests won’t soon forget.—
Evan Moore,
Charlotte Observer,
16 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Damion Stafford, 44, eventually crashed the ATV, and a K-9 bit him on the leg to subdue him, the Cape Coral Police Department said April 21.—
Olivia Lloyd,
Miami Herald,
22 Apr. 2025
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Mitchell said Freedom Factory's first PPV event had 75,000 concurrent viewers, which caused his website and those of the event sponsors to crash.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
22 Apr. 2025
Verb
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In two weeks, loan holders will start the process of taking money from the paychecks of borrowers who've missed their payments for 270 days or more.—
Zachary Schermele,
USA Today,
22 Apr. 2025
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Early in the fourth quarter, White missed a 3-pointer off the top of the backboard, allowing the Magic to speed forward with the ball.—
Josh Robbins,
New York Times,
21 Apr. 2025
Verb
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As the water diluted the stains, the fabric faded to a soft pink.—
Rebecca Ruth Gould,
JSTOR Daily,
9 Apr. 2025
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In the world of fashion, trends emerge and fade quickly, particularly among teenagers.—
Renan Botelho,
Footwear News,
9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fail. Accessed 26 Apr. 2025.
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