FALL FLAT Synonyms: 56 Similar and Opposite Words

fall flat

phrase

Definition of fall flat

as in collapse

to be unsuccessful Her performance fell flat despite weeks of rehearsing.

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in fall short

to go wrong Their game plan fell flat when their star player suffered an injury.

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 fall flat But when the game still mattered, when the starters were out there, the Panthers fell flat. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 15 Aug. 2026 Shopping itself can be a nightmare, and even with alterations, clothing pieces can fall flat (and, well, frumpy) on a shorter frame. — Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 14 Aug. 2026 So while there’s no such thing as a tacky color per se, even the prettiest hue can fall flat in the wrong circumstance. — Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 2 Aug. 2026 Lavender and cold blue grays can fall flat in a room with loads of natural light. — Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fall flat

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fall flat

fall short

Phrase

Cramer said the move was particularly striking because comparable sales actually fell short of expectations, but stronger-than-expected margins and profit forecast ultimately overshadowed that weakness.

— Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
Thankfully, the penalty didn't impact the game too much, but Oklahoma fell short, falling to Washington 28-17.

— Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of fall short

Browse Nearby Words

fallen (to)

fall flat

fall for

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

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Synonyms of fall flat

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