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
Traditional fabrication methods often fail to maintain nanoscale uniformity in lithium electrode production.
—
Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2025
For four hours, multiple rescue attempts failed.
—Mark Gray, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
The goal is clearly to emulate a series like Slow Horses or The Americans, yet all that attention paid to what the Talamasca does wrong only amplifies how the show fails to sketch a genuine identity for the group.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 25 Oct. 2025
Boise State failed to capitalized, though, with Madsen throwing an awful interception to Nevada’s Bishop Turner on the very next play.
—Jim Keyser, Idaho Statesman, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fail
Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2025
For four hours, multiple rescue attempts failed.
—Mark Gray, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
The goal is clearly to emulate a series like Slow Horses or The Americans, yet all that attention paid to what the Talamasca does wrong only amplifies how the show fails to sketch a genuine identity for the group.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 25 Oct. 2025
Boise State failed to capitalized, though, with Madsen throwing an awful interception to Nevada’s Bishop Turner on the very next play.
—Jim Keyser, Idaho Statesman, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fail
Verb
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The baby, who initially made good progress after the surgery, died 20 days later.—
Arizona Republic,
AZCentral.com,
26 Oct. 2025
-
The medical examiner on Friday determined that the student died by suicide.—
Joshua Rhett Miller,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Beyond Meat shares have collapsed over the past five years, starting with a 48% plunge in 2021 and plunging further until Roundhill Investments added the stock to its Roundhill Meme Stock ETF (MEME) on Monday.—
Liz Napolitano,
CNBC,
24 Oct. 2025
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This experimentation is happening precisely because the old models collapsed.—
David Wingrave,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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This Christmas, 8 year-olds may be disappointed for another reason.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Oct. 2025
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Fans certainly won’t be disappointed in the show or the 50th anniversary set list that is for sure.—
Kirby Adams,
Louisville Courier Journal,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Losing him for the entire World Series would weaken their already-thin bullpen, and force Roberts to get creative in high-leverage situations after his starting pitcher has been removed.—
Jon Paul Hoornstra,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
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After accounting for lifestyle variables like exercise, the effects weakened a bit as, for example, more active people tend to spend more time outdoors.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The earth-shattering events of the first trilogy have been all but forgotten, and the Magisterium looms as large as ever.—
Lev Grossman,
The Atlantic,
23 Oct. 2025
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Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.—
Hannah Sacks,
PEOPLE,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Johnson led officers on a chase through city streets before crashing at Seventh and Barton streets, the release says.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
23 Oct. 2025
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Its experts worked hard to prepare for a variety of disasters, such as a freak weather event, a terrorist attack, or an airplane accidentally crashing into a reactor.—
Simon Shuster,
Time,
23 Oct. 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,
23 Oct. 2025
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As head coach Enzo Maresca made clear after the game, Palmer’s stardust will always be missed but Estevao is helping fill the void.—
Simon Johnson,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Mankinlu Maple Leaf Solar Pathway Lights As daylight starts to fade earlier, these cute pathway lights add both charm and function to your yard.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Oct. 2025
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The Trail Blazers faded in the fourth quarter en route to a 118-114 loss to the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fail. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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