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
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4
as in to weaken
to lose bodily strength or vigor
ever since she reached the age of 90, Grandma has been noticeably failing
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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of fail
Multiple flights passed over the survivors but failed to spot them, local media reported.
—
Marlon Sorto, CNN Money, 3 May 2025
Kings Kings rally to take lead, only to collapse in third period of Game 3 loss to Oilers
April 25, 2025
In Game 4 the Kings led with less than 35 seconds to play when Quinton Byfield failed to make a simple clearance out of the Kings’ zone.
—Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2025
In more severe cases, gum graft rejection is possible, which is when the transplanted tissue fails to properly combine with the gum.12
Recovery Timeline
The gum graft should fully fuse with the surrounding tissue within four to 12 weeks, with symptom recovery often taking about two weeks.
—Mark Gurarie, Health, 3 May 2025
This frustration is compounded by hefty tariffs leveled by the White House on Canadian industries, ostensibly as punishment for uneven trade deals and failing to combat drug and migrant trafficking across the border.
—Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for fail
Marlon Sorto, CNN Money, 3 May 2025
Kings Kings rally to take lead, only to collapse in third period of Game 3 loss to Oilers
April 25, 2025
In Game 4 the Kings led with less than 35 seconds to play when Quinton Byfield failed to make a simple clearance out of the Kings’ zone.
—Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2025
In more severe cases, gum graft rejection is possible, which is when the transplanted tissue fails to properly combine with the gum.12
Recovery Timeline
The gum graft should fully fuse with the surrounding tissue within four to 12 weeks, with symptom recovery often taking about two weeks.
—Mark Gurarie, Health, 3 May 2025
This frustration is compounded by hefty tariffs leveled by the White House on Canadian industries, ostensibly as punishment for uneven trade deals and failing to combat drug and migrant trafficking across the border.
—Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for fail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fail
Verb
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About 1,600 people get sick and 260 die each year from listeriosis, according to the CDC.—
Mike Snider,
USA Today,
17 May 2025
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Eight-year-old Alanah Phillips and her 4-year-old brother Zayn Phillips died after Chidester drove her car into a child's party at the private Swan Boat Club on April 20, 2024.—
Gabrielle Rockson,
People.com,
16 May 2025
Verb
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After his 4-foot putt went in during the one-hole playoff against Justin Rose, McIlroy threw his golf club in the air and collapsed to the ground.—
Anna Lazarus Caplan,
People.com,
15 May 2025
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This is often not helped when an investment collapses or defaults, and commentators online and other advisory companies increase client doubts.—
Adam Fayed,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2025
Verb
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This is a great NBA matchup that will not disappoint; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 May 2025
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However, any modern-day alchemist hoping to cash in might be disappointed.—
Victoria Corless,
Space.com,
13 May 2025
Verb
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Others may develop it after pregnancy, as the muscles and ligaments around the uterus can loosen or weaken.—
Brandi Jones,
Health,
10 May 2025
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This weakens their ability to tailor experiences and erodes marketing efficiency.—
Amit Jhawar,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2025
Verb
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The new digital feature will allow individuals who have either forgotten their Social Security number or who have lost their Social Security cards to access their personal number online through the agency’s My Social Security website.—
Lorie Konish,
CNBC,
11 May 2025
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And don’t forget to sign the honor code when you’re done.—
Patricia Schultheis,
Baltimore Sun,
11 May 2025
Verb
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Videos shared on social media by the news agency of the Philippine government showed chaos at the airport, and a black SUV crashed into the entryway of the terminal.—
Lex Harvey,
CNN Money,
4 May 2025
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Pilot Andres Velarde said the plane crashed in an emergency landing after having engine failure, according to BBC News.—
Escher Walcott,
People.com,
3 May 2025
Verb
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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.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
People.com,
16 May 2025
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Curry has missed the last three games due to a hamstring injury, leaving a lot on Jimmy Butler's plate.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 May 2025
Verb
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Hope for a similar easy resolution for the Wentz family quickly faded.—
Mara Bovsun,
New York Daily News,
3 May 2025
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The issue of student rights has faded from headlines, though obstacles linger.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
3 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fail. Accessed 19 May. 2025.
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