lemon

noun

ˈle-mən How to pronounce lemon (audio)
Definition of lemonnext
as in disaster
something that has failed the used car he bought turned out to be a lemon, and he soon had trouble starting the thing

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 lemon Others are total lemons (an old-timey way of saying a piece of junk). — Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 11 Aug. 2026 The Hibiscus Sol-Mate ($7) was a blend of (slightly caffeinated) yerba mate, hibiscus, rose, peppermint and lemongrass, with a fresh lemon slice and a hint of agave. — Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026 Beyond the restaurant’s lemon decor, bright paintings hang on its white, paneled walls. — Kansas City Star, 11 Aug. 2026 The lemon-lime beverage category generates $5 billion in revenue in the United States, according to Circana. — Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lemon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lemon
  1. disaster
  2. failure
  3. bust
  4. loser
  5. disappointment
  6. frost
  7. bomb
  8. catastrophe
Noun
  • The club was rebuilding after the 1958 Munich air disaster but won a first post-Munich trophy, the FA Cup, earlier that year.
    — Andy Mitten, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • In nearby Anderson in Madison County, Indiana, the mayor declared a local disaster emergency and issued evacuation orders Thursday along the swelling White River and other waterways.
    — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of disaster
Noun
  • There was widespread concern in San Antonio last fall that a failure to approve a new arena could open the door for the Spurs to relocate to Austin.
    — Jared Weiss, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Reports vary on the exact level of success or failure of Meghan's brand As Ever, but the jam, flower sprinkles and scented candles have become a bit of a joke.
    — Christina Dugan Ramirez , Ashley Papa , Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of failure
Noun
  • O’Higgins spent about two years in Richmond, and his connection to the house is marked by an English Heritage Blue Plaque; a bust of him stands nearby in O’Higgins Square, where the borough celebrates his birthday each year.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Two Penn State University fraternities are at the center of a cocaine trafficking ring bust, leading to charges against 14 people, authorities announced on Monday.
    — Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of bust
Noun
  • The losers of the quarterfinals can still secure a spot in the Women's World Cup.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Critics, including some Republicans and economists, warn against the state picking winners and losers.
    — James K. Glassman, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of loser
Noun
  • This cultlike existence has resulted in resentment and disappointment.
    — Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Waller was largely a disappointment during his one season with the Giants after being acquired from the Las Vegas Raiders for a third-round pick in 2023.
    — Joseph Person, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of disappointment
Noun
  • Start hibiscus seeds indoors about 10 to 14 weeks before the last spring frost.
    — Shelby Vittek, The Spruce, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Adapt to survive Along with a warming trend pushing harvesting seasons earlier, European wine growers are up against drought, freak weather events such as spring hailstorms and frost which wiped out many buds, and wildfires.
    — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of frost
Noun
  • In fact, 600 Americans were killed in Iraq from primarily those very dangerous roadside bombs that Iran made and sent to all the terrorists in Iraq.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The same is true for a factory making hand grenades or bombs.
    — Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of bomb
Noun
  • Massive crude stockpiles before the war helped prevent catastrophe when supply dried up.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
  • As the summer of 2001 wears on through the lens of Kopple’s camera, our knowledge of the coming catastrophe casts a shadow over the proceedings.
    — Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of catastrophe

Browse Nearby Words

leisurely
lemon
lemons
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lemon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lemon. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on lemon

Nglish: Translation of lemon for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lemon

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