DEVITALIZE Synonyms: 110 Similar and Opposite Words

devitalize

verb

(ˌ)dē-ˈvī-tə-ˌlīz

Definition of devitalize

as in to undermine

to deprive of emotional or intellectual vitality overuse has devitalized many a once-striking figure of speech

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to weaken

to diminish the physical strength of she was devitalized by the infection

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 devitalize This can devitalize the plant to the point of it starting to die back. — oregonlive, 5 Feb. 2023 Miller’s writing début may have been precipitated by her assault, but the final work devitalizes its horrific beginnings. — Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2019

Recent Examples of Synonyms for devitalize

Verb

Self-awareness bolsters leadership while self-surveillance nearly always undermines it.

— Carol Geffner, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026
Moscow has been widely accused by Western officials of running a campaign of sabotage and disruption with the aim of undermining support for Ukraine and destabilizing European nations.

— ABC News, ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of undermine

Verb

Higher borrowing costs can eventually weaken loan demand and increase stress among borrowers.

— Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026
Recent polling supports the article’s claim that Latino support has weakened amid concerns about inflation, immigration enforcement, jobs and wages.

— Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of weaken

Verb

Excessive Wet Plants that are receiving excessive moisture or are not draining properly can also exhibit signs of decline, the plant expert offers.

— Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2026
Use fast-draining potting mix so the roots are not exposed to soggy soil for long periods of time.

— Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of drain

Verb

Growth in the world’s second-largest economy softened to its slowest in more than three years in the second quarter, as a multiyear property downturn continued to depress consumer demand and investment in real estate and infrastructure.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026
In a microwave-safe medium bowl, microwave the cream cheese for 5 to 10 seconds, just until it’s softened.

— Candy Hom, AJC.com, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of soften

Verb

But seven months into the conflict, with no clear end in sight, the global oil market has now largely exhausted the safety measures that exist to keep a lid on petroleum prices.

— Greg Pollock, The Conversation, 28 Sep. 2026
The gentle squeeze around your legs provides other surprising health benefits on exhausting travel days.

— Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of exhaust

Verb

New Zealand then spent 10 minutes in England's half and appeared to waste it until Du Plessis chased a clearance back to halfway, turned and kicked into empty space and beat everyone to the ball in goal.

— ABC News, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026
This is a crucial insight to have before wasting time and money.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of waste

Verb

Here, a source of primordial terror—the gaze that petrifies—is deflected by way of the highly polished shield that Perseus wields against the creature.

— Jan Tumlir, Artforum, 5 Aug. 2026
The first film follows a group of French high-school students who travel to Naples on a school trip to discover the ruins of Pompeii and the bodies petrified by Vesuvius.

— Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 20 May 2026

Definition of petrify

Verb

The impact of that shocking final scene is sufficient to send viewers out feeling enervated after what’s been a pretty desultory final act.

— Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 24 May 2026
Campbell, the North Carolina folk singer, describes an enervating process marked by back-and-forth exchanges and lots of waiting.

— Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 25 Mar. 2026

Definition of enervate

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devising

devitalize

devitalized

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“Devitalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devitalize. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of devitalize

verb

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