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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to weaken

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

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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 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

According to Axios, the US military has helped ferry crude through the Strait of Hormuz, driving overall levels of exports through the key waterway to about half of prewar levels and undermining Iranian efforts to control the crossing.

— Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Constant record-setting ticket sales and TV viewership were undermined by growing resentment among everyone from athletes to fans over the players’ salaries; Clark’s rookie pay was just $76,000.

— Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of undermine

Verb

But the White House cut its offices and weakened its ability to follow up with cases, as well as slashed funding to research on disparities that people of color face in getting diagnosed and attaining resources for disabilities.

— Claire Sibonney, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026
Higher debt can also weaken economic growth by crowding out private investment.

— Carolyn Bourdeaux, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of weaken

Verb

Maybe you’re exhausted by other commitments or spending too much time on your phone, which can be a distraction and energy zapper.

— Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
After exhausting federal aid, grants, and scholarships, private student loans can help cover any remaining funding gaps.

— Amy DeYoung, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of exhaust

Verb

New Florida women’s soccer coach Nick Zimmerman wasted little time signaling better days are ahead — much sooner than anyone expected.

— Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026
Lanterns wastes little time explaining this backstory ad nauseam and instead creates an immediately inviting dynamic between him and Hal, who comes to him demanding information on Manhunters.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 24 Aug. 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

Browse Nearby Words

devising

devitalize

devitalized

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“Devitalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devitalize. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of devitalize

verb

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