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 Rebrands fall flat, bets don't land, and initiatives become a dud. — Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 Even the president’s jokes about his bad jokes fell flat, and he was widely ridiculed for the comedy routine afterward. — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 25 July 2026 But many of the shows, other than The Morning Show, fell flat with audiences. — Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 23 July 2026 Without a well-fitting T-shirt or tank, an ensemble can fall flat or look unfinished. — Better Homes & Gardens, 18 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for fall flat

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fall flat

fall short

Phrase

Meta fell short of that test earlier in the week, while Microsoft passed it, underscoring why Amazon’s results landed so well.

— Peter Cohan, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Fort Lauderdale’s forecast is 94, which would fall short of the 96 mark set in 1986.

— Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 31 July 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 7 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of fall flat

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