Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective feeble contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of feeble are decrepit, fragile, frail, infirm, and weak. While all these words mean "not strong enough to endure strain, pressure, or strenuous effort," feeble suggests extreme weakness inviting pity or contempt.

a feeble attempt to walk

When might decrepit be a better fit than feeble?

While the synonyms decrepit and feeble are close in meaning, decrepit implies being worn-out or broken-down from long use or old age.

the dowager's decrepit retainers

When would fragile be a good substitute for feeble?

The words fragile and feeble are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fragile suggests frailty and brittleness unable to resist rough usage.

a reclusive poet too fragile for the rigors of this world

When is it sensible to use frail instead of feeble?

While in some cases nearly identical to feeble, frail implies delicacy and slightness of constitution or structure.

a frail teenager unable to enjoy sports

When can infirm be used instead of feeble?

Although the words infirm and feeble have much in common, infirm suggests instability, unsoundness, and insecurity due to old age or crippling illness.

infirm residents requiring constant care

In what contexts can weak take the place of feeble?

The synonyms weak and feeble are sometimes interchangeable, but weak applies to deficiency or inferiority in strength or power of any sort.

felt weak after the surgery

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 feeble The tech industry’s job losses have contributed to a feeble job market in the Bay Area so far this year. George Avalos, Mercury News, 25 June 2025 Whether the result of drugs, alcohol or general hysteria, these terrifying men would enter trance-like states and charge into battle, ignoring severe injuries and collapsing into a feeble heap immediately after the fight concluded. Drew Gerber, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025 Two hotels in the East Bay have tumbled into bankruptcy ahead of scheduled foreclosures, in a fresh sign that post-coronavirus maladies still afflict the feeble lodging markets in the Bay Area. George Avalos, Mercury News, 10 June 2025 But this time, Trump is bucking the prime minister, and Netanyahu and his supporters have had only feeble excuses as to why their efforts are failing. Aluf Benn, Foreign Affairs, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for feeble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for feeble
Adjective
  • Precious metals and mining stocks were weak across both markets.
    Brendan Ahern, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • But Democrats see Earle-Sears as a far weaker candidate than Youngkin, operating a worse environment for the GOP.
    David Weigel, semafor.com, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • The frail but determined Francis greeted thousands in St. Peter's Square after Easter Mass in his open-air popemobile, just five weeks after a hospital stay.
    Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
  • Very old or frail tapestries may be best framed to protect them.
    Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Feeble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/feeble. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on feeble

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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