debilitates

verb

present tense third-person singular of debilitate
as in weakens
to diminish the physical strength of the heart surgery debilitated the college athlete beyond his worst fears

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for debilitates
  1. weakens
  2. softens
Verb
  • The use of noble language to describe a process that weakens constitutional guardrails only widens the disconnect between words and actions.
    — Yuripzy Morgan, Baltimore Sun, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The erosion of those countries’ industrial capacity ultimately weakens their ability to compete with and resist China economically, diplomatically, and militarily.
    — Bill Cassidy, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of weakens
Verb
  • With no score, the film’s vivid sound design of billowing foliage, creaky doors and floorboards, creates an austere ambience that softens with quiet feeling as the contours of the family’s troubles are gradually filled out.
    — Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The former works on the surface of the skin and delivers an immediate boost of hydration that instantly plumps fine lines and softens skin texture.
    — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of softens
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.

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debilitates
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Cite this Entry

“Debilitates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debilitates. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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