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
Julia Marnin, Sacbee.com, 2 Apr. 2025
This is a standard precaution to prevent other hackers from exploiting the flaw, while some users are still unprotected.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Editorial, Boston Herald, 9 Mar. 2025
Bates conducted a monthslong investigation before determining Mosby’s motion to vacate Syed’s conviction was flawed, according to the filing, but did not assess the credibility of the case against Syed.
—Lauren Del Valle, CNN, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for flaw
Noun
The complaint says these systemic flaws have facilitated and allowed drug use that’s been reported by staff and residents, as well as overdose deaths.
—Julia Marnin, Sacbee.com, 2 Apr. 2025
This is a standard precaution to prevent other hackers from exploiting the flaw, while some users are still unprotected.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Verb
The Founding Fathers knew that human beings were flawed.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 9 Mar. 2025
Bates conducted a monthslong investigation before determining Mosby’s motion to vacate Syed’s conviction was flawed, according to the filing, but did not assess the credibility of the case against Syed.
—Lauren Del Valle, CNN, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for flaw
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flaw
Noun
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The pictures are fed through a machine learning algorithm to spot possible defects.—
Atlanta Journal-Constitution,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2025
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Smart Manufacturing: High-resolution images of equipment, materials, and defect patterns are vital for computer vision models in automation and quality control.—
Max (Chong) Li,
Forbes,
25 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Their son and daughter-in-law, Cameron Bott, 35, and his wife, Diana, 36, whose nearby home was damaged in the tornado, initiated a discussion about starting a GoFundMe to offset potential insurance shortfalls in rebuilding the gas station.—
Tammy Ljungblad,
Kansas City Star,
9 Apr. 2025
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Previously, a fire damaged the building on Oct. 26.—
City News Service,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The fish have white faces with a black blotch in front of the eyes, according to the study.—
Irene Wright,
Miami Herald,
4 Apr. 2025
-
Dark brown blotches with black edges dot its back, sometimes joining together to form bands.—
Aspen Pflughoeft,
Miami Herald,
11 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The dashboard was part of an extended pressure campaign from Buttigieg, who, during his tenure in the Biden administration, publicly challenged the major carriers to improve service and transparency—particularly after a summer marred by cancellations and flight delays.—
Bailey Berg,
AFAR Media,
8 Apr. 2025
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What to Know Artists like Bruce Springsteen and Taylor Swift have previously clashed with ticketing platforms, with Swift's 2022 tour marred by widespread ticket access issues.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Old friends with new scars, trying not to aggravate the wounds of yesterday.—
Jazz Monroe,
Pitchfork,
3 Apr. 2025
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Kilmer says the cancer is gone, but its scars linger.—
Barbara VanDenburgh,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Taking us out of the equation would water down and compromise the world’s ability to fight disease, and would be tantamount to compromising yourselves.—
Alice Park,
Time,
2 Apr. 2025
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Just last week, a national educational software provider disclosed a data breach that compromised personal data for thousands of students at dozens of Minnesota schools.—
Torey Van Oot,
Axios,
2 Apr. 2025
Verb
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At least 31 people were killed, 27 others were injured and some 70 homes were burned before security forces arrived and repelled the gangs, killing at least 23 gunmen, the mission said.—
DÁNICA COTO THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
8 Apr. 2025
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Two officers were also taken to the hospital but were not injured, sources said.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Apr. 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 16 Apr. 2025.
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