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
Meanwhile, in failing to verify the age or identity of its users, Pump.Fun exposes minors and inexperienced investors to both financial risk and the explicit material rife on the platform, the complaint alleges.
—
Joel Khalili, WIRED, 17 Jan. 2025
In May of 2021, AHCA inspectors reported the home failed to act when a child went from 34.8 to 27.9 pounds in one month.
—Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 17 Jan. 2025
Some will say the Eagles defense failed in allowing 24 second-half points to the Kansas City Chiefs.
—Brooks Kubena, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
Although Herbert’s stats have failed to reach the blistering pace of his first four seasons, the former No. 6 pick set a career-high in passer rating while throwing for 3,870 yards and 23 touchdowns.
—Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for fail 
Joel Khalili, WIRED, 17 Jan. 2025
In May of 2021, AHCA inspectors reported the home failed to act when a child went from 34.8 to 27.9 pounds in one month.
—Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 17 Jan. 2025
Some will say the Eagles defense failed in allowing 24 second-half points to the Kansas City Chiefs.
—Brooks Kubena, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
Although Herbert’s stats have failed to reach the blistering pace of his first four seasons, the former No. 6 pick set a career-high in passer rating while throwing for 3,870 yards and 23 touchdowns.
—Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for fail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fail
Verb
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Jeffrey Takeyama Jeffrey Takeyama, 69, died in the Palisades Fire.—
Minyvonne Burke,
NBC News,
17 Jan. 2025
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In January 1960, Hurston died in a welfare home in Fort Pierce, Florida.—
Ellen Wexler,
Smithsonian Magazine,
16 Jan. 2025
Verb
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According to a 2021 Government Accountability Office report, collapsing the D.C. office drove out the agency’s most experienced employees and more than doubled the number of vacancies.—
Frederick Reimers,
Outside Online,
27 Jan. 2025
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Because several portions of the building had collapsed, firefighters were attempting to subdue the blaze from outside, Baltimore County Fire Department Cpt.—
Todd Karpovich,
Baltimore Sun,
25 Jan. 2025
Verb
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People who were divorced, tired, in debt, ill fed, disappointed with their own choices.—
Samanta Schweblin,
The New Yorker,
26 Jan. 2025
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Mara didn’t disappoint in his career-high 30 minutes inside Alaska Airlines Arena, dominating on both ends during UCLA’s 65-60 victory over Washington.—
Ben Bolch,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Jan. 2025
Verb
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However, critics worry bringing minority parties into the majority tent weakens legislative scrutiny.—
Charlie Campbell,
TIME,
22 Jan. 2025
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With rising conflicts and weakened diplomacy, the global order is set to fragment in 2025, intensifying economic volatility.—
Sarwant Singh,
Forbes,
22 Jan. 2025
Verb
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And don't forget to follow Allure on Instagram and TikTok—or subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on all things beauty.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
23 Jan. 2025
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There are some Ivan Pace Jr. qualities here, and teams shouldn’t forget that.—
Nick Baumgardner,
The Athletic,
23 Jan. 2025
Verb
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More alarming: Their usually sturdy five-on-five numbers have crashed.—
Dom Luszczyszyn,
The Athletic,
17 Jan. 2025
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But one day, a popular fashion influencer of the time made a pronouncement that blazers for women were passé, and the business crashed.—
Jean E. Palmieri,
WWD,
17 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Britney Spears Celebrates 1-Year Anniversary of 'The Woman in Me' Memoir: 'Thank You for All Your Support' 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.—
Marina Watts,
People.com,
27 Jan. 2025
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However, Rodgers, 41, missed all but four plays of the 2023 season after tearing his Achilles in the season opener against the Bills that year.—
Antwan Staley,
New York Daily News,
27 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Sunlight had begun to fade, casting a shadow on the space.—
Colleen Shalby,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Jan. 2025
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Naturally derived essential oils are difficult to stabilize and can fade or change over time, giving your perfume a shorter shelf life from the first spray to the last.—
Sable Yong,
Allure,
17 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near fail
Cite this Entry
“Fail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fail. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
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