fall flat

phrase

Synonyms of fall flatnext
: to produce no response or result
the joke fell flat

Examples of fall flat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The habeas corpus action represented a last-ditch legal effort by Maxwell to secure her release after her appeals fell flat. — Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 25 Aug. 2026 Meizlish told the Washington Examiner that prior attempts to shame countries doing business with Iran, including China, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates, had fallen flat. — Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 24 Aug. 2026 Just last year, Nate Bargatze entered Emmys night as a peak-of-fame comedian, and ended the evening as the object of mass audience disgruntlement after a running joke about winners’ lengthy speeches taking money away from children in need fell flat. — Daniel D'addario, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026 Policies fall flat without clear, severe consequences when platforms breach their duty of care or fail to act responsibly. — Erin Mote, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fall flat

Word History

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fall flat was in 1841

Rhymes for fall flat

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Browse Nearby Words

fallfish
fall flat
fall for
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fall flat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fall%20flat. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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