1
as in frail
chronically or repeatedly suffering from poor health
a sickly foal that seemed to catch everything that the other horses had
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in poisonous
bad for the well-being of the body
lungs scarred by years of exposure to the sickly air of the coal mines
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sickly
Soon Collie is ensnared in a plot to kidnap a sickly rich boy that immediately goes off the rails.
—
Los Angeles Times,
8 May 2026
The Republic turns a sickly pale.
—
Big Think,
4 May 2026
The dominant color is a sickly blue, tinged with greens and purples.
—
Dan Stahl,
New Yorker,
1 May 2026
My mom was over one afternoon and noticed my sickly plant.
—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sickly
Los Angeles Times,
8 May 2026
The Republic turns a sickly pale.
—
Big Think,
4 May 2026
The dominant color is a sickly blue, tinged with greens and purples.
—
Dan Stahl,
New Yorker,
1 May 2026
My mom was over one afternoon and noticed my sickly plant.
—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sickly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sickly
Adjective
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Listeria is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, or others with weakened immune systems.
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But the job market in California remains frail, said Michael Bernick, an employment attorney with law firm Duane Morris and a former director of the state EDD.
Adjective
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The cane toad, also known as the bufo toad or the marine toad, is known for the large, poisonous glands behind its eyes that secrete toxins when it’s touched.
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Berlin — Authorities across Germany have been battling an aggressive outbreak of poisonous caterpillars, which can cause severe health issues and have led to the closure of parks and other outdoor spaces, including in Berlin.
Adjective
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The system has long been mired in controversy, including exam paper leaks and technical failures, placing a crushing burden on students, and financial strain on families investing everything in their children for a promise that can often appear fragile.
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However, price bulls highlight a fragile US-Iran ceasefire and past IEA surplus forecasts that failed to depress prices.
Adjective
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Another toxic chemical crisis A massive fire at a Boyle Heights cold-storage warehouse triggered an ammonia leak, explosions and shelter-in-place orders across Eastside neighborhoods.
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The agency said no significant levels of toxic metals were observed.
Adjective
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Having a sick pet is emotionally a lot to handle.
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Preventing infestation Just because one calf is sick doesn’t mean the entire herd will get it, Cammack said.
Adjective
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Onshore winds are pushing smoke from the Sandy fire into Los Angeles County, where neighborhoods from the San Fernando Valley to Arcadia could face unhealthful air for sensitive groups.
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The soil may contain pathogens, pesticides and other unhealthful things.
Adjective
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Depressed wages, a weak currency and hyperinflation have continued to make life difficult for ordinary Venezuelans, many of whom struggle to afford basic goods.
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There, the Sox scored on a weak, off-line throw from shallow left fielder José Caballero.
Adjective
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Omega-3 supplements alone may not improve brain health, especially if paired with an unhealthy lifestyle.
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Employees aren’t exactly shunning their new coworkers, and in some cases may even be developing unhealthy relationships.
Cite this Entry
“Sickly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sickly. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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