Definition of frailnext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective frail contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of frail are decrepit, feeble, fragile, infirm, and weak. While all these words mean "not strong enough to endure strain, pressure, or strenuous effort," frail implies delicacy and slightness of constitution or structure.

a frail teenager unable to enjoy sports

When would decrepit be a good substitute for frail?

The words decrepit and frail can be used in similar contexts, but decrepit implies being worn-out or broken-down from long use or old age.

the dowager's decrepit retainers

When could feeble be used to replace frail?

While the synonyms feeble and frail are close in meaning, feeble suggests extreme weakness inviting pity or contempt.

a feeble attempt to walk

When can fragile be used instead of frail?

In some situations, the words fragile and frail are roughly equivalent. However, fragile suggests frailty and brittleness unable to resist rough usage.

a reclusive poet too fragile for the rigors of this world

Where would infirm be a reasonable alternative to frail?

While in some cases nearly identical to frail, infirm suggests instability, unsoundness, and insecurity due to old age or crippling illness.

infirm residents requiring constant care

When is weak a more appropriate choice than frail?

The words weak and frail are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 frail Sitting down on the bench next to bottles and cans is only for the brave and for the elderly person too frail to stand for a long time. Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2026 Modifiers are long-standing medical coding tools that identify patients that are sicker, frailer, or undergoing unusually complex procedures. Dr. John Guzzi, Hartford Courant, 27 May 2026 In an interview with CBS News, Jill Biden recalled her reaction to seeing former President Joe Biden stumble over his words, appearing frail and unstable. Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 27 May 2026 As Simpson declines, the actress appears frail, diminished, stripped of poise and makeup. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for frail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frail
Adjective
  • The system has long been mired in controversy, including exam paper leaks and technical failures, placing a crushing burden on students, and financial strain on families investing everything in their children for a promise that can often appear fragile.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 26 June 2026
  • However, price bulls highlight a fragile US-Iran ceasefire and past IEA surplus forecasts that failed to depress prices.
    Michael Lynch, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • According to the text of the current agreement, the most sensitive nuclear issues are not yet agreed to on paper.
    Quinn Scanlan, ABC News, 21 June 2026
  • Just last month, an attack on Canvas, a software used in schools and colleges, put thousands of students at risk by exposing sensitive information.
    Taylor Croft, AJC.com, 21 June 2026
Adjective
  • Depressed wages, a weak currency and hyperinflation have continued to make life difficult for ordinary Venezuelans, many of whom struggle to afford basic goods.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 26 June 2026
  • There, the Sox scored on a weak, off-line throw from shallow left fielder José Caballero.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • Listeria is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, or others with weakened immune systems.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 19 June 2026
  • Though minor gastrointestinal discomfort is the most common symptom of exposure, pathogens that may cause only minor sickness in some people may cause serious conditions or death in the very young, old, or those with weakened immune systems.
    Christopher Edwards, PEOPLE, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • Name the worry out loud, then choose a small boundary that protects your energy, such as turning off notifications during a demanding task.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 27 June 2026
  • People milled about clutching small rainbow flags from the human rights organization Outright International.
    Hallie Golden, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • To accessorize her look, Chopra Jonas opted for delicate jewelry pieces that augmented the vibrant color scheme of her attire.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 25 June 2026
  • Crappies, walleyes, and panfish are usually fried, and that’s partially because their thinner, more delicate fillets benefit from a batter coating holding them together during the cooking process.
    Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Jolted by a feeble office market, a growing number of developers are considering ways to convert their office properties to other uses, such as housing projects.
    George Avalos, Mercury News, 17 June 2026
  • Enervated cuteness and tryhard sincerity define a whole new wave of musicians, from Pittsburgh rockers feeble little horse to cringe-pop upcycler Worldpeace DMT to SoundCloud producer MASSI, whose songs spill with the tiny adorable detail of a toy train set.
    Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • Recreational swimming is not permitted, yet anglers fishing for tilapia, largemouth bass and carp are a common sight along the rocky sides of the soft-bottom areas.
    Mack Baysinger Follow, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026
  • That first bite delivers the crispy outside with a soft chew of rice, followed by the hot dog.
    Justin Brown, AJC.com, 27 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Frail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frail. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.

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