In this paper we address the problem of query failure in the context of flexible querying. We propose a fuzzy set–based approach for relaxing queries involving gradual predicates. This approach relies on the notion of proximity relation which is defined in an absolute way. We show how such proximity relation allows for transforming a given predicate into an enlarged one. The resulting predicate is semantically not far from the original one and it is obtained by a simple fuzzy arithmetic operation. The main features of the weakening mechanism are investigated and a comparative study with some methods proposed for the purpose of fuzzy query weakening is presented as well. Last, an example is provided to illustrate our proposal in the case of conjunctive queries.