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
Activists have accused Iranian authorities of killing Amini after her detention on charges of failing to adhere to the country's dress code.
—
Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
But the consultants have also been asked to anticipate a scenario where the measure fails or doesn’t even go on the ballot.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2025
Real efforts at improving access — which many schools have adopted in recent years without enough attention earned — and promoting freer campus climates — which too many schools have failed at — will have to be done simultaneously.
—Jeffrey Herbst, New York Daily News, 30 May 2025
Earlier this year, after failing to meet its own October deadline for the rebate’s relaunch, the government passed a measure allowing producers to claim expenses accrued in the final months of 2024 and the start of 2025.
—Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 18 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for fail
Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
But the consultants have also been asked to anticipate a scenario where the measure fails or doesn’t even go on the ballot.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2025
Real efforts at improving access — which many schools have adopted in recent years without enough attention earned — and promoting freer campus climates — which too many schools have failed at — will have to be done simultaneously.
—Jeffrey Herbst, New York Daily News, 30 May 2025
Earlier this year, after failing to meet its own October deadline for the rebate’s relaunch, the government passed a measure allowing producers to claim expenses accrued in the final months of 2024 and the start of 2025.
—Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 18 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for fail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fail
Verb
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Pride, who died in 2020, is considered to be the country genre's first Black superstar.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
28 May 2025
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In Zone 6, chaste tree will die back to the ground in the winter and vigorously regrow in spring to a 5 or 6-foot shrub.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
28 May 2025
Verb
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The security perimeter collapses, and the risk increases exponentially.—
Craig Davies,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
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And the fact that talks have not yet collapsed is an indication that the U.S. may be considering this red line.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 May 2025
Verb
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This is a great Eastern Conference Finals matchup that will not disappoint; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.—
Kilty Cleary,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 May 2025
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Timeout, Tom Thibodeau, frustrated and disappointed by his team’s defensive miscues.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
24 May 2025
Verb
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In Colorado, for example, several AI companies recently lobbied to delay and weaken the state’s landmark AI accountability legislation — a preview of what unchecked industry influence could look like under a regulatory freeze.—
Anisha Sircar,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2025
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This includes adults who have weakened immune systems, cancer or other underlying health conditions, and some mental health conditions.—
Claire Bugos,
Verywell Health,
21 May 2025
Verb
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Her husband, Kevin, forgot to put them on that morning.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 May 2025
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Just don’t forget to click the coupon for extra savings.—
Clint Davis,
People.com,
23 May 2025
Verb
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The teen crashed the car two minutes later, colliding into another vehicle at Folsom Boulevard and Manlove Avenue, before the driver surrendered to deputies, sheriff’s officials said.—
Darrell Smith,
Sacbee.com,
29 May 2025
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The stock market crashed upon Trump’s announcement, with the S&P falling nearly 5% the next day and the Nasdaq down nearly 6%.—
Michael Hiltzik,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2025
Verb
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Both teams had their first two penalties saved, before Steaua eventually got themselves together to score two… which was enough because Barca missed all four of theirs.—
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
28 May 2025
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Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.—
Kirsten Acuna,
People.com,
28 May 2025
Verb
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However, the glamour faded soon after the team docked in Manhattan.—
Andy Mitten,
New York Times,
30 May 2025
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That faded, and Maresca’s task will be maintaining the charge next season.—
Zak Garner-Purkis,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fail. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.
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