as in to weaken
to diminish the physical strength of
the long, stressful days and sleepless nights gradually etiolated him
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Jacob Heilbrunn, The New Republic, 23 Jan. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for etiolate
Verb
-
As consumer activity has weakened, the central bank has warned about the growing misalignment between real sentiment and headline GDP growth.—
Stephanie Yang,
CNN Money,
12 May 2026
-
Heat can shrink fabrics, fade colors and weaken elastic fibers, which shortens the life of garments that would otherwise hold up for years.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Miami Herald,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
Soaking sunflower seeds before planting can help with germination as this method softens the naturally hard outer layer of the seed.—
Alexandra Jones,
The Spruce,
11 May 2026
-
Justin Sullivan | Getty Images From Domino’s Pizza to Applebee’s, restaurant chains are reporting that sales softened in March as gas prices spiked.—
Amelia Lucas,
CNBC,
11 May 2026
Verb
-
This is unfair to the people experiencing homelessness in need of effective services, and unfair to taxpayers who see yet more of their money wasted with little to show for it.—
Adam B. Summers,
Oc Register,
9 May 2026
-
That took real effort, and it wasn't wasted.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
9 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Etiolate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/etiolate. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
