as in weak
lacking bodily strength
the debilitated prisoners could barely stand
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in weakened
to diminish the physical strength of
the heart surgery debilitated the college athlete beyond his worst fears
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of debilitated
Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
Israel quickly debilitated Iran’s air defenses and caused significant damage to Iran’s military and nuclear infrastructure.
—Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026
The war, the latest and most extensive Israel offensive in the Gaza Strip, has greatly debilitated Hamas.
—Foreign Correspondent, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2026
Amid an unprecedented cold snap in the Upper Florida Keys, six juvenile green sea turtles were discovered debilitated by frigid waters and are now undergoing intensive care at the Turtle Hospital in Marathon.
—Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
Verb
Destruction of their livelihoods and more — they are debilitated.
—Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
Israel quickly debilitated Iran’s air defenses and caused significant damage to Iran’s military and nuclear infrastructure.
—Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026
The war, the latest and most extensive Israel offensive in the Gaza Strip, has greatly debilitated Hamas.
—Foreign Correspondent, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2026
Amid an unprecedented cold snap in the Upper Florida Keys, six juvenile green sea turtles were discovered debilitated by frigid waters and are now undergoing intensive care at the Turtle Hospital in Marathon.
—Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debilitated
Adjective
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Typically, this imaging uses sensors that can pick up femtotesla or picatesla range of magnetic fields, weaker than even refrigerator magnets.—
Ameya Paleja,
Interesting Engineering,
22 May 2026
-
In some cases, value starts to soften not because the business is weak, but because the growth story is not fully proven.—
David Chapman,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2026
Verb
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However, when the researchers adjusted the findings for other factors that can affect risk for the conditions, known as confounders — such as genetic and familial influences and the reasons for taking antidepressants — most links significantly weakened or disappeared.—
Kristen Rogers,
CNN Money,
14 May 2026
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Starmer’s authority weakened after Labor’s poor performance in recent elections, blamed on policy missteps, economic struggles, and the prime minister’s controversial decisions, including appointing an ambassador with ties to Jeffrey Epstein.—
Pan Pylas,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
Adjective
-
So, in retrospect, [the entire Lightning project] looked pretty feeble.—
Jamie Lincoln Kitman,
Rolling Stone,
24 Apr. 2026
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His visit also comes as the committee stalls on advancing Casey Means, Kennedy’s nominee for surgeon general, over her lack of medical practice experience and feeble answers on the importance of vaccination.—
Daniel Payne,
STAT,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In a small dry skillet, roast onion and jalapeño over medium, turning once or twice, until softened and browned in spots, 8 to 10 minutes.—
Rick Bayless,
Midwest Living,
13 May 2026
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The question is why the resale market softened in the first place.—
Dan Zaksheske OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
13 May 2026
Adjective
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As Simpson declines, the actress appears frail, diminished, stripped of poise and makeup.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
16 May 2026
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Exceptions will be made for people who are too medically frail to work or in addiction treatment programs, among others.—
Geoff Mulvihill,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Cavaliers and Pistons have exhausted each other in a seven-game series that won’t end until Sunday, while the Knickerbockers have been off since last Sunday.—
Alex Kirshner,
New York Times,
16 May 2026
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People are exhausted by the daily onslaught of bad headlines.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
15 May 2026
Adjective
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Both are now used by millions of people who don’t identify as disabled.—
Tristan Bove,
Fortune,
20 May 2026
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The dog’s owner, Tom, described himself as a 65-year-old disabled veteran.—
Harriet Ramos,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 May 2026
Verb
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But muddy conditions led to slop and chaos, and tired out the front-runners after a very fast opening pace, clearing the way for the closer to do his thing.—
Peter Keating,
New York Times,
1 May 2026
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Plus, their fabric and fill are less likely to accrue that ever-darkening yellowish stain that tired goose down pillows acquire over time, thanks to sweat, oils, lotion residues, etc.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Debilitated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debilitated. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
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