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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of fail
President Donald Trump said early Friday his administration is resuming a broad set of tariffs on dozens of countries after a 90-day pause, as trade negotiations with many of those nations have failed to yield new deals.
—
Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 4 July 2025
The suit further argues Tempe failed to provide oversight and training for its officer.
—Corina Vanek, AZCentral.com, 4 July 2025
Insurance also isn't likely to cover water or sewage backups in your home, whether this is caused by a failing sump pump or heavy rains.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 4 July 2025
The decline accelerated after reports indicated that Iran’s first attempt to retaliate by lobbing missiles toward a U.S. base in Qatar failed to cause any casualties.
—Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for fail
Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 4 July 2025
The suit further argues Tempe failed to provide oversight and training for its officer.
—Corina Vanek, AZCentral.com, 4 July 2025
Insurance also isn't likely to cover water or sewage backups in your home, whether this is caused by a failing sump pump or heavy rains.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 4 July 2025
The decline accelerated after reports indicated that Iran’s first attempt to retaliate by lobbing missiles toward a U.S. base in Qatar failed to cause any casualties.
—Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for fail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fail
Verb
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No spoilers on who lives and who dies in the film, but buckle up for bold twists and turns.—
Benjamin VanHoose,
People.com,
14 July 2025
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Deputies rendered life-saving help, but the suspect died at the location.—
Michelle Cruz,
AZCentral.com,
14 July 2025
Verb
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In handcuffs, Miyake collapsed momentarily outside.—
Meredith Colias-Pete,
Chicago Tribune,
14 July 2025
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Together, they’re poised to do something far more radical: collapse the traditional SaaS model and usher in a new era of decentralized, intelligent orchestration.—
Deepinder Singh Sethi,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Verb
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The Dolomites are truly the star of the show here, and the sweeping views do not disappoint.—
Hannah Freedman,
Travel + Leisure,
13 July 2025
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The American Century Championship is one of the most entertaining golf events of the year, and day one did not disappoint, as Charles Barkley and Steph Curry put on a show.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 July 2025
Verb
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The first-quarter boom in U.S. trade is weakening, with merchandise trade somewhat atypically declining for the second straight month, according to my analysis of the the most recent U.S. Census Bureau data.—
Ken Roberts,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
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The June jobs report showed strong headline numbers, but the underlying data pointed to a weakening labor market.—
Danny Bakst,
Fortune,
9 July 2025
Verb
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Child and pet safety: Never forget to safeguard young children and pets by not leaving them unattended in vehicles, especially during scorching weather when car interiors can become life-threateningly hot.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
11 July 2025
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But that doesn’t mean the developers have completely forgotten about DK’s best bud.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
10 July 2025
Verb
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This led to many deals that initially traded well but then crashed.—
Luisa Beltran,
Fortune,
1 July 2025
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Alpine Formula One driver Franco Colapinto has been receiving hate comments on Instagram for nearly crashing into Oscar Piastri during the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring.—
Saajan Jogia,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 July 2025
Verb
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After missing all 11 of his three-pointers in three games in San Francisco, Jakucionis made five of nine threes on Friday before going 0 for 2 on Sunday.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
14 July 2025
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The post was quickly deleted, and Buzzfeed issued an apology, acknowledging that the joke missed the mark.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
14 July 2025
Verb
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Sunscreen, chlorine, saltwater, and even rough drying habits can wear down the fabric, leaving colors faded and suits stretched out.—
Gabi De la Rosa,
Southern Living,
5 July 2025
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The spark seemed to fade, then the extra effort went AWOL.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
4 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fail. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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