as in weak
lacking bodily strength
the enfeebled old woman now needs a companion to help her with everyday tasks
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in weakened
to diminish the physical strength of
long periods of being confined to a hospital bed will enfeeble anyone
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 enfeebled
Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Oct. 2025
During a hospital stay, Roy’s enfeebled mother fixates on the caste and religious affiliations of the doctors treating her—the sort of thing that will be familiar to anyone who has cringed at a diminished elder’s unfiltered prejudices.
—Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
Chargers guards and center Bradley Bozeman, a trio whose job was made more difficult by subpar play by both offensive tackles, looked enfeebled against Indianapolis Colt tackle DeForest Buckner.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Oct. 2025
During a hospital stay, Roy’s enfeebled mother fixates on the caste and religious affiliations of the doctors treating her—the sort of thing that will be familiar to anyone who has cringed at a diminished elder’s unfiltered prejudices.
—Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enfeebled
Adjective
-
The company attributed the decline to weak demand, shifting some shipments to Q4 and an unfavorable mix.—
Meghan Hall,
Sourcing Journal,
3 Nov. 2025
-
It is considered a serious condition and can be dangerous or life-threatening, especially to older adults, people with weak immune systems and pregnant women.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
Freep.com,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
His paws began to knuckle and his back legs weakened.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
2 Nov. 2025
-
In addition to the GOP leaders, most rank-and-file Senate Republicans also oppose repealing the filibuster that’s been slowly weakened by both parties in recent decades for Executive Branch and judicial nominees.—
Ramsey Touchberry,
The Washington Examiner,
31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
And honestly, what could be more feeble?—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Their calculations show that a feeble interaction between the inflaton field and elementary particles called gluons would be sufficient to warm up inflation.—
Stephanie Pappas,
Scientific American,
27 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Three extra years in wood has somehow softened the tannic sting that the younger bourbon brings to the palate instead of amplifying it.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
2 Nov. 2025
-
Add onions, celery, and jalapeños; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 10 to 12 minutes.—
Melinda Salchert,
Southern Living,
1 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
But in young children, frail or elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems, Listeria can be deadly.—
Jenna Anderson,
Health,
3 Nov. 2025
-
When Arthur tries to stop the stranger who has invaded his home from rifling through his drawers, Frank shoves the frail man to the ground.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The show fares better with the Irvine clan, which in addition to Milo, Marissa and Peter includes Peter’s sister, Lia (Abby Elliott), a recovering drug addict, and their brother, Brian (Daniel Monks), a disabled day trader.—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Many recipients are elderly, disabled, or children, groups unable to participate in the workforce.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Enfeebled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enfeebled. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share