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debilitated 1 of 2

adjective

as in weak
lacking bodily strength the debilitated prisoners could barely stand

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debilitated

2 of 2

verb

past tense of debilitate
as in weakened
to diminish the physical strength of the heart surgery debilitated the college athlete beyond his worst fears

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 debilitated
Verb
In gratifying the left, the Warren Court debilitated the long tradition of opposing judicial supremacy. — Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 After being shocked with the glove, the officer screamed and dropped to the ground, briefly debilitated for the moment the glove made contact with his skin. — Meg Anderson, NPR, 12 Aug. 2026 In Desert Storm, the short duration of ground operations was made possible by an air campaign that debilitated Iraq’s entire military establishment. — David A. Deptula, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026 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
  1. weak
  2. weakened
  3. feeble
  4. softened
  5. frail
  6. exhausted
  7. disabled
  8. tired
Adjective
  • But the White House Correspondents’ Dinner has devolved significantly since its glory days atop the comedy calendar, proving to be a weaker platform for political satire than the Onion’s takeover of Infowars.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Production disruptions and weak output in Chile, the world’s biggest producer, sent prices to record highs, with the US accumulating huge stockpiles and smelters in China forced to turn to scraps to meet that country’s industrial needs.
    — Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of weak
Verb
  • Some trees succumbed to insects after being weakened by drought.
    — Jessie Schiewe, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026
  • More than eight in 10 voters support tapping the state’s flush coffers to bolster human service programs weakened by severe federal cutbacks, according to a new poll commissioned by Connecticut nonprofit social service agencies.
    — Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of weakened
Adjective
  • Briogeo Destined for Density Serum The Briogeo Destined for Density Serum is a lightweight liquid formula that thickens feeble strands, plumps roots, and rapidly spurs new hair growth.
    — Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 17 Sep. 2026
  • There has to be something more than this, looking feeble against a rookie lefty with average stuff followed by the worst bullpen in baseball.
    — Matt Gelb, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of feeble
Verb
  • The Dolphins spent the week practicing for Sunday in Napa and played much of the second half as if hungover -- until the late 77-yard touchdown pass-play from Malik Willis to Ryan Miller softened the blow of the final score a bit.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 21 Sep. 2026
  • In China, public sentiment about AI is less openly hostile and some of its major benefits in areas such as healthcare have softened people’s attitudes.
    — Rana Mitter, The Conversation, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of softened
Adjective
  • Footage from recent Beach Boys shows, though, had many concerned that Love was reaching Frankie Valli levels of uncanny due to a frail voice and appearance.
    — Devon Ivie, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Sporting a salt-and-pepper beard, Badio appeared frail during Monday’s proceedings, slouching to one side in his wheelchair.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of frail
Verb
  • Such litigation should only be considered as a last resort once all other reasonable options have been exhausted.
    — Michael L. Hyman, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The talent team is exhausted, the hiring leader is frustrated and great candidates lose interest or withdraw.
    — Jamie Savage, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of exhausted
Adjective
  • Vouchers allot roughly $10,500 to standard students, $30,000 to disabled students and $2,000 for homeschool students.
    — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Lynn explained that her daughter, who is a disabled veteran, earns roughly $70,000 a year between her VA disability compensation and her Social Security Disability Insurance.
    — Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of disabled
Verb
  • For the project Winter and her team tired coupling plasma with electrocatalysis.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Shelton’s serve had manacled him just enough; the first set’s effort had tired him just enough.
    — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of tired

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debilitate
debilitated
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Cite this Entry

“Debilitated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debilitated. Accessed 27 Sep. 2026.

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