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
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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
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Recent Examples of flaw
Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 19 May 2025
The Celtics’ 2024 title run proved their strength, but this postseason loss exposed flaws, even when Tatum was healthy earlier in the series.
—C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 17 May 2025
David Robinson, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025
And there’s no question Brian Tyree Henry’s unique abilities as an actor tap into the same deep well of screen presence and emotional integrity that flowed through Hackman’s work, no matter how flawed the character.
—Andy Andersen, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for flaw
Noun
Aside from these issues, Siri’s code was seen to have a major technical flaw.
—Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 19 May 2025
The Celtics’ 2024 title run proved their strength, but this postseason loss exposed flaws, even when Tatum was healthy earlier in the series.
—C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 17 May 2025
Verb
But an unusually high reversal rate may indicate the company’s process for making initial decisions is flawed.
—David Robinson, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025
And there’s no question Brian Tyree Henry’s unique abilities as an actor tap into the same deep well of screen presence and emotional integrity that flowed through Hackman’s work, no matter how flawed the character.
—Andy Andersen, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for flaw
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flaw
Noun
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However, during a recent appearance on the All The Smoke podcast, the NBA veteran blames the crash on the car’s defect.—
Mya Abraham,
VIBE.com,
21 May 2025
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In fact, traditional defect detection methods tend to catch the problem at a late stage in the development lifestyle, which will definitely result in a delay and a steep cost.—
David Henkin,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
Verb
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The fire began on the third floor, severely damaging the entire level, while water damage affected the floors below.—
Samantha Moilanen,
Chicago Tribune,
28 May 2025
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In addition to direct contact, Toxoplasma may also damage sperm because the infection promotes chronic inflammation.—
Bill Sullivan,
The Conversation,
28 May 2025
Noun
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Some leaf-mining insects make distinct patterns, like squiggles or serpentine shapes, while others make irregular blotches, like this species.—
Miri Talabac,
Baltimore Sun,
8 May 2025
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Black panthers, as they are colloquially named, are a color variation of a leopard with fully black fur or large blotches of black spots on a dark background color, according to Britannica.—
Irene Wright,
Miami Herald,
11 Feb. 2025
Verb
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However, relatively decent growth fueled by Putin's record military spending has been marred by inflation and a worker shortage impacted by those fleeing the draft and troop losses in Ukraine as experts warn of longer terms problems for the economy.—
Brendan Cole,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 May 2025
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Lynch’s first winter as CEO was marred by long lift lines and employee shortages driven by COVID-19.—
Kurt Badenhausen,
Sportico.com,
27 May 2025
Noun
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He’s considered several options to resolve the situation, hoping to find a compromise that addresses both his wife’s emotional scars and the family’s needs.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
1 June 2025
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The conflict with Ro and his marauding Nihil forces has left scars across the galaxy and held the Republic hostage.—
Dalton Ross,
EW.com,
29 May 2025
Verb
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By producing an affordable pair of multi-driver IEMs, without compromising on sound and build quality, Noble Audio hopes to bag a slice of this growing market.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2025
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Just remember: Collaboration doesn’t mean compromising your values.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 June 2025
Verb
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At least 12 people were killed and dozens injured in the attacks.—
Jackie Northam,
NPR,
26 May 2025
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Several people were injured in a boat crash in the Hamptons on Sunday night, and the boat’s captain was arrested for boating under the influence, police said.—
Joseph Wilkinson,
New York Daily News,
26 May 2025
Verb
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About six weeks ago, hackers crippled the computer systems of the TV and mobile phone provider Dish Network.—
Shira Ovide,
Washington Post,
4 Apr. 2023
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Oakland Mills Coach: Chris Brewington Last season: Class 2A state champion Outlook: Losing the talent Oakland Mills did from last year’s outdoor season would cripple most programs, but the Scorpions have reloaded.—
Anthony Maluso,
Baltimore Sun,
22 Mar. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Flaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flaw. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
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