1
as in to soften
to diminish the physical strength of
weeks of hardship in the desert had greatly weakened them
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to fade
to lose bodily strength or vigor
the bodybuilder weakened once she eased off on her workouts
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to dilute
to alter (something) for the worse with the addition of foreign or lower-grade substances
weakened the juice with too much water
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of weaken
Even as both parties agree China is one of our greatest challenges, its policies have weakened America’s position and strengthened China’s hand.
—
Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 26 Sep. 2025
Jürgen Schaaf, market infrastructure and payments adviser at the ECB, warned in July that the central bank's control over monetary conditions in the region could be weakened by dollar stablecoins' dominance, and called for greater support for regulated euro stablecoins.
—Hugh Leask, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2025
Despite his popularity as a wartime leader, Zelensky faced the first major protests of the conflict in July after his allies in Parliament tried to weaken the country’s independent anti-corruption agencies, before the move was reversed.
—Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
Experts warn that undoing it could weaken national climate policy, with ripple effects felt in California.
—Chaewon Chung
updated September 25, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for weaken
Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 26 Sep. 2025
Jürgen Schaaf, market infrastructure and payments adviser at the ECB, warned in July that the central bank's control over monetary conditions in the region could be weakened by dollar stablecoins' dominance, and called for greater support for regulated euro stablecoins.
—Hugh Leask, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2025
Despite his popularity as a wartime leader, Zelensky faced the first major protests of the conflict in July after his allies in Parliament tried to weaken the country’s independent anti-corruption agencies, before the move was reversed.
—Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
Experts warn that undoing it could weaken national climate policy, with ripple effects felt in California.
—Chaewon Chung
updated September 25, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for weaken
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weaken
Verb
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This powerhouse Korean skin care product features a blend of hyaluronic acid, shea butter and collagen to plump and soften the skin.—
Alanna Martine Kilkeary,
Glamour,
26 Sep. 2025
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Meanwhile, remove ice cream from freezer, and let stand at room temperature until slightly softened, about 15 minutes.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The present is always coming at us so hard and fast that the unexamined past fades more from consciousness in the echo chamber of the now.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
27 Sep. 2025
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Nobody buys an Alfa Romeo to fade into the crowd.—
Mark Phelan,
USA Today,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
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However, the latter half of the season feels meandering, with overstuffed episodes diluting the impact of the plot.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
25 Sep. 2025
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Chaos is sorted into appreciable story arcs without diluting its overwhelming effect on our heroes.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Authorities seized devices found on his body and writings left in his bedroom in the probe of the shooting that killed one detainee and critically injured two others, FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Joe Rothrock said on Thursday at a press conference.—
Emerson Clarridge,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
25 Sep. 2025
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The shooter was found dead at the scene, and no ICE agents or other law enforcement personnel were injured.—
Amanda Musa,
CNN Money,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The counterculture had curdled, Vietnam was over but unsettled, and the economy sagged into stagflation.—
Eric Cortellessa,
Time,
25 Sep. 2025
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The Democratic Party’s brand — as well as the approval rating for some of the state’s top Democratic officials — has indeed sagged, even in solidly blue Colorado, according to a recent poll.—
Seth Klamann,
Denver Post,
22 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Its severity varies depending on the strain and species that is infected.—
Kelli Arseneau,
jsonline.com,
26 Sep. 2025
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The Indianapolis Animal Care Services did say dogs are still available for adoption and some cats that were kept separate from those infected remain available to adopt.—
Noe Padilla,
IndyStar,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Over time, this can lead to painful and debilitating ulcers, typically occurring on the inner side of the leg above the ankle.—
Bryant Stamford,
Louisville Courier Journal,
2 Oct. 2025
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The star, 52, made his first appearance since missing the Emmys earlier this month and vowed not to give up the fight against the debilitating disease.—
Mekishana Pierre,
Entertainment Weekly,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The 2-point conversion attempt failed, but the Packers cut the gap to 21-6.—
Frank Rajkowski,
Twin Cities,
27 Sep. 2025
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Lawsuits also allege Liberty Utilities and construction companies failed to mark gas lines properly and respond to the leak in time, resulting in the boys death, severe injuries and property damage.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
27 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Weaken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weaken. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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