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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective frail contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of frail are decrepit, feeble, fragile, infirm, and weak. While all these words mean "not strong enough to endure strain, pressure, or strenuous effort," frail implies delicacy and slightness of constitution or structure.

a frail teenager unable to enjoy sports

When would decrepit be a good substitute for frail?

The words decrepit and frail can be used in similar contexts, but decrepit implies being worn-out or broken-down from long use or old age.

the dowager's decrepit retainers

When could feeble be used to replace frail?

While the synonyms feeble and frail are close in meaning, feeble suggests extreme weakness inviting pity or contempt.

a feeble attempt to walk

When can fragile be used instead of frail?

In some situations, the words fragile and frail are roughly equivalent. However, fragile suggests frailty and brittleness unable to resist rough usage.

a reclusive poet too fragile for the rigors of this world

Where would infirm be a reasonable alternative to frail?

While in some cases nearly identical to frail, infirm suggests instability, unsoundness, and insecurity due to old age or crippling illness.

infirm residents requiring constant care

When is weak a more appropriate choice than frail?

The words weak and frail are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, weak applies to deficiency or inferiority in strength or power of any sort.

felt weak after the surgery

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 frail Continue reading … MOUNTING AILMENTS – Biden undergoes surgery for skin cancer as frail appearance fuels new questions. FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2025 A lot could also depend on how much red tape is involved when states design systems for reporting work or gathering documentation to apply for an exemption such as being medically frail, including those with a substance use disorder. Chris Kenning, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025 Unlike my frail biological instrument, an AI voice will never experience sickness. Adam Verner september 3, Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2025 My brother was quite frail, so his death was not a total surprise. Kim Gordon, Rolling Stone, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for frail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frail
Adjective
  • Unlike traditional approaches, HydroSpread lets ultrathin polymer films form directly on water, eliminating the fragile and error-prone step of transferring films from rigid surfaces.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2025
  • But for curly and coily spa-goers, the dry saunas can wreak havoc on your fragile strands, leaving them brittle and prone to damage.
    Essence, Essence, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The discovery renews scrutiny of Bolton’s handling of sensitive national security information and echoes long-standing concerns first raised during a contentious legal battle over his 2020 memoir.
    Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
  • The cyberattacks resulted in Caesars Entertainment losing sensitive customer data, according to financial filings, and MGM Resorts International properties experienced significant operational disruptions.
    James Powel, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Kleptocratic governments are not weak or failing, Chayes argues in this paradigm-shifting 2015 book.
    Zephyr Teachout, The Atlantic, 22 Sep. 2025
  • The plan to tap geothermal energy answered the key question of power provision, getting around Africa’s chronically weak grids with the green, baseload electricity required for digital infrastructure.
    Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Listeria monocytogenes, or Lm, is a bacterium that causes listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, individuals with weakened immune systems, pregnant women and their newborns.
    Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Severe infections are particularly dangerous for young children, elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems.
    Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In an initial analysis that didn’t control for genetic factors, the researchers found a small association between women who used acetaminophen during pregnancy and the incidence of autism, ADHD, and intellectual disability.
    Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 23 Sep. 2025
  • The Twins averaged 22,108 fans a game, 24th out of 30 Major League Baseball teams, though two of those teams behind them are playing in smaller-capacity, minor league stadiums.
    Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • But their insect-like movements hint at a future where fleets of miniature robots could glide across water, performing tasks once too dangerous or delicate for humans.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Silver’s delivery is, possibly, more delicate than mine will be.
    Sophie Ansari, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Without electrification, Simpliciano said, renewable targets run the risk of being feeble and ineffective, with brands potentially turning to biomass and other problematic substitutions as stopgap measures.
    Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 25 Sep. 2025
  • This politicization of what should be an economic solution again highlights California’s feeble legislative ability.
    U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Cook, stirring often, until mixture reaches soft-ball consistency and registers 235°F on an instant-read or candy thermometer, 15 to 20 minutes.
    Sheri Castle, Southern Living, 22 Sep. 2025
  • Notably, the offer was split, with one direction centering on soft tailoring, with modal and other fluid fabrics shown for blazers and trousers.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 22 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Frail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frail. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

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