DEFECTIVE Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

defective

adjective

di-ˈfek-tiv

Definition of defective

as in imperfect

having a fault promptly took the defective microwave oven back to the store for a replacement

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of defective Fire hazards are also high on the list, as heating elements in defective units can potentially remain on even when the unit isn’t powered on, increasing the risk of fire or burns. — The Spruce, 6 Aug. 2026 Eastwood’s late girlfriend Jewel Brangman died due to a defective airbag. — Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Aug. 2026 But returning Sara to the manufacturer proves complicated, especially so for a lascivious Ultima technician (Oliver Cooper) sent to collect the defective model. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 3 Aug. 2026 Benjamin Gibson, an attorney representing the state, said the onus was on the plaintiffs to prove the ballot summary was defective. — Jim Turner, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for defective

Recent Examples of Synonyms for defective

Adjective

For years, software security operated on an imperfect but workable equilibrium.

— Aaron Mitchell, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
It’s been carried by a wider move toward grunge finishes, natural makeup, deliberately imperfect beauty and makeup for tired eyes that leans in rather than covering up.

— Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of imperfect

Adjective

Poor Anton has been left out of the drama all day, an effort by Billie and Samir to prevent an already bad futzing from escalating to something severe, and that’s never where Anton likes to be.

— Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Although rarely seen, its reemergence earlier this summer is a signal of how bad the region’s ongoing drought has gotten, as well as a warning for the difficult months ahead.

— Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of bad

Adjective

Hubble launched in 1990 with a flawed mirror that required spacewalking astronauts’ dramatic intervention.

— Marcia Dunn, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
Historically, retail rankings were flawed, often missing true leaders like A&P, which dominated for decades before Sears and Walmart.

— Jason Goldberg, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of flawed

Adjective

When Coyote arrives at Kevin’s office, the man wants to aim for only a small settlement for Acme’s faulty rocket shoes despite his client’s wealth of evidence of other product failures.

— Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Detainees have long complained about harsh conditions, including faulty cooling and water systems.

— Jonny Hallam, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of faulty

Adjective

Persuading big American oil companies to return to the region could prove a challenge given the political uncertainty and damaged infrastructure.

— Collin Binkley, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
As families wait for news about their relatives, damaged roads, power outages and fears of further flooding have hampered rescue efforts.

— Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of damaged

Adjective

Casper Kelly, the delightfully skewed sensibility behind Adult Swim’s ‘Too Many Cooks,’ makes a first theatrical feature that feels like a broken time loop.

— Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Mass spectrometry revealed that the broken containers had once held something containing the chemical compounds theobromine, theophylline, caffeine, and paraxanthine.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of broken

Browse Nearby Words

defections

defective

defectively

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“Defective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defective. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of defective

adjective

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