etiolate

verb

ˈē-tē-ə-ˌlāt How to pronounce etiolate (audio)
Definition of etiolatenext
as in to weaken
to diminish the physical strength of the long, stressful days and sleepless nights gradually etiolated him

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 etiolate Some etiolated form of what might be called Ledeenism lingered on before taking on new life at the outset of the Trump administration. — Jacob Heilbrunn, The New Republic, 23 Jan. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for etiolate
  1. weaken
  2. soften
  3. waste
Verb
  • That makes the hot and cold sides quickly equalize, clearly weakening electricity generation.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 19 July 2026
  • The Kospi Index has tumbled 25% since its June peak, resulting in a $1 trillion wipeout that threatens to weaken its global clout.
    — Winnie Hsu, Fortune, 19 July 2026
Definition of weaken
Verb
  • Ceviche arrives bright and cold, sharpened by citrus, softened by fresh seafood, and lifted with herbs and heat.
    — Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
  • The governor this year softened New York's ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gases, citing rising energy costs for consumers.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 July 2026
Definition of soften
Verb
  • But there’s a more fundamental principle within that belief, and Falcons quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt wasted little time decorating his meeting room to reflect it.
    — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 19 July 2026
  • As Rahm Emanuel famously said, don’t let a crisis go to waste.
    — Lincoln Restler, New York Daily News, 18 July 2026
Definition of waste

Browse Nearby Words

ethos
etiolate
etiolated
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Cite this Entry

“Etiolate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/etiolate. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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