flunk

verb

ˈfləŋk How to pronounce flunk (audio)
Definition of flunknext
as in to fail
to be unsuccessful the movie flunks, both as entertainment and as a dramatization of a historical incident

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 flunk Or the employee cafeteria in the chains’ corporate overlord’s headquarters flunking an inspection? — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2026 John has just flunked the bar for the second time, and his job at the DA’s office — which has a three-strike policy — is in peril. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2026 By the end of the eighth grade, Ben—now out as gay—was flunking every class. — Longreads, 3 Feb. 2026 To her, the fact that many vehicles are now flunking this test is, in some ways, a positive sign. — Camila Domonoske, NPR, 3 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flunk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flunk
  1. fail
  2. collapse
  3. flop
  4. miss
Verb
  • But in almost every case, Spurs failed to sell at the right time.
    — Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The Minnesota United midfielder failed on two penalty kicks in a draw with UANL Tigres on Friday, but the Argentine totaled two goals and an assist in a 3-1 win over Atlante in the third and final Leagues Cup match Tuesday at Allianz Field.
    — Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of fail
Verb
  • He’s really getting worked over until a collapsing building separates them.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Only a collapsing building, burned down by dragonfire, saves him, with Roxton on the other side of the collapse.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of collapse
Verb
  • Battered cars with numbers sprayed on their sides are whipping around the dirt track of the Lebanon Valley Speedway, loose fenders flopping like overgrown bangs in the swirling dust.
    — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The left is still on the verge of historic wins in Michigan (though Kyle Blomquist, the Democratic Socialists of America’s candidate, flopped in the mostly rural 1st District, where Republicans are favored to win in November).
    — David Weigel, semafor.com, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of flop
Verb
  • Perseus Rising in the northeast after dark, Perseus is not the easiest constellation to make sense of, but its rich star fields are hard to miss.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Nelson, demoralized by the trade, missed nine games that season due to illness and resigned under pressure three months later in February 1995.
    — John Raby, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of miss

Browse Nearby Words

flung (off or away)
flunk
flunked
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Flunk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flunk. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on flunk

Nglish: Translation of flunk for Spanish Speakers

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