1
as in fragile
easily broken
a frail eggshell
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sensitive
easily injured without careful handling
be careful with your grandmother, as she's very frail and a fall would be disastrous
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in weak
lacking bodily strength
he was frail after a long battle with bronchitis
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4
as in weakened
lacking strength of will or character
a frail person, easily swayed by others
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5
as in small
small in degree
a frail hope of success
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of frail
The frail, gray humanoid figure greets Daniel and Margaret like old friends as they, and the world, stand in awe.
—
Jack Smart,
PEOPLE,
12 June 2026
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
As mom becomes more frail and needs additional assistance, her daughter must cut her work hours or stop paid work entirely.
—
Howard Gleckman,
Forbes.com,
3 June 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
See All Example Sentences for frail
Jack Smart,
PEOPLE,
12 June 2026
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
As mom becomes more frail and needs additional assistance, her daughter must cut her work hours or stop paid work entirely.
—
Howard Gleckman,
Forbes.com,
3 June 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
See All Example Sentences for frail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frail
Adjective
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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.
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However, price bulls highlight a fragile US-Iran ceasefire and past IEA surplus forecasts that failed to depress prices.
Adjective
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Rescuers then wait intently for any indication of life, using sensitive microphones or telescopic cameras or simply pressing an ear against the rubble, hoping to detect a voice, a knock or the faintest movement.
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So far, the administration has sued multiple states unsuccessfully in attempts to obtain sensitive voter-roll data to run through a federal database known as the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements, or SAVE, program.
Adjective
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Following a year of historically weak hiring in 2025, hiring rebounded this spring.
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In a weak free-agency class, centers Robert Williams III (Portland) and Mark Williams (Phoenix) are already off the market, each reportedly agreeing to return to their current teams.
Adjective
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And while Creger still thought the bill was positive, she was disappointed to see the weakened language around adding lanes to highways.
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The weakened plants are more susceptible to insects and disease pests.
Adjective
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Name the worry out loud, then choose a small boundary that protects your energy, such as turning off notifications during a demanding task.
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People milled about clutching small rainbow flags from the human rights organization Outright International.
Adjective
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The chips beneath were noticeably thin, delicate but sturdy enough to retain their crunch.
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The war remains in a delicate ceasefire while both sides attempt to broker a permanent peace deal.
Adjective
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The gags are both belabored and feeble.
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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.
Adjective
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Play soft music to drown out fireworks blasts and give your pet something to do, like putting treats inside an interactive toy, to keep them calm and happy.
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This relaxed pick is incredibly soft, really cute, and surprisingly easy to style.
Cite this Entry
“Frail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frail. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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