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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 Considering Dolton’s frail financial condition, House was asked by a reporter if delving into the real estate is a wise move. Mike Nolan, Chicago Tribune, 20 May 2025 Weary from their journey and trapped in desperate conditions, many children arrive with visible signs of malnutrition: hollow eyes, frail limbs and weakened bodies. Brice Kevin Da, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025 There was a little bit of compassion and love, something human and frail in there. Francesca Gariano, People.com, 17 June 2025 The crowd stood en masse and cheered the frail 88-year-old composer seated on the first tier. Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for frail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frail
Adjective
  • They’ve been counted on to fix what breaks, carry what slips, hold what’s fragile.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • Unlike other thin, fragile flats that offer little wear before falling apart, these are reinforced with Vionic’s trademark cushioning, a removable insert, and premium upper materials.
    Kayla Blanton, People.com, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • In Cisco’s 2025 Data Privacy Benchmark, 64% of global respondents worry about inadvertently exposing sensitive information through AI tools, even as nearly half admit to feeding personal data into them.
    Boris Dzhingarov, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • And new privacy legislation in Senate Bill 1295 requires collectors of sensitive data to notify consumers if their personal data is being used to train large language models.
    Angela Eichhorst, Hartford Courant, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • Precious metals and mining stocks were weak across both markets.
    Brendan Ahern, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • In October 2005, a Finnish court acquitted Gustafsson, ruling the evidence against him was too weak and inconsistent.
    Christina Coulter, People.com, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • While the headline-grabbing CEOs are interesting, hearing the stories of smaller companies is absolutely fascinating.
    Toni Fitzgerald, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
  • The local government of the small and far-from-wealthy hometown of Pope Leo XIV has voted to acquire the former Robert Prevost’s childhood home as a future museum.
    Howard Husock, National Review, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • Tasters enjoyed Canada Dry’s balance of flavors, noting that its delicate citrus played well with a sharp bitter note on the back of their tongues.
    Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 July 2025
  • For instance, delicate fabrics like wool, silk, or linen will likely have different washing requirements than white cotton garments.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • Joe Biden’s disastrous June 2024 debate performance, when the nation witnessed a hoarse and feeble president losing his train of thought and struggling to finish sentences, ended his re-election campaign.
    Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 8 July 2025
  • Their feeble efforts fall flat, because the physical historical record dictates otherwise.
    Daily Southtown, Chicago Tribune, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • These attempts to reshape the narrative around China’s actions go way beyond cultural soft power.
    Isabelle Mayault, The Dial, 8 July 2025
  • For ultimate comfort, the loveseat and chairs also include 3.9-inch foam cushions wrapped in soft cotton.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • The former is focusing on the general consumer audience as Samsung’s marketing leans into the benefits of AI, while Honor positions the latter as a more fashionable and cutting-edge design due to its slim nature.
    Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • This pair with a 2-inch heel also has a square toe, slim strap, and shiny black appearance.
    Izzy Baskette, People.com, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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