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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 There are numerous exemptions, such as pregnant women, caregivers, the medically frail, and others. Anthony Digiorgio, Oc Register, 20 May 2025 Medicaid spends more than half its budget on medical and long-term care for frail, low-income older adults and younger people with disabilities, according to a KFF data note. Howard Gleckman, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025 The book describes an alarmed crowd at the fundraiser ‒ which featured Biden, former President Barack Obama and talk show host Jimmy Kimmel on stage ‒ over Biden's apparent diminishment, frail presentation and meandering answers to mostly soft-ball questions from Kimmel. Joey Garrison, USA Today, 15 May 2025 In it, the pope appears alert but visibly frail, acknowledging the faithful in what would become his last public appearance. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for frail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frail
Adjective
  • By the time Trump met Kim for a second summit in Hanoi, Trump’s attention had drifted from North Korea, and both men’s greed for a quick deal derailed their fragile progress.
    John Delury, Foreign Affairs, 3 June 2025
  • That’s where trust can become fragile if leaders start to chase proxies instead of performance.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • Other lawsuits have focused on one area DOGE has seen great success in: amassing sensitive government data and combining it into massive databases.
    Stephen Fowler, NPR, 30 May 2025
  • These searches help keep digital communications and sensitive information safe.
    Jeremiah Bartz, The Conversation, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Global Blue's weak February European shopper data released on March 5 did indeed work as a catalyst.
    Ganesh Rao, CNBC, 3 June 2025
  • In addition to a weak critical reception, the film became mired in controversy due to political comments made by lead actress Rachel Zegler in the run-up to its release; the casting of a Latina actress as the titular character; and the use of CGI to reimagine the seven dwarfs.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • Farmers watered their crops less, and saw smaller harvests as a result.
    Annika Merrilees, Sacbee.com, 7 June 2025
  • Yes, Georgia and Paul split this season as the blowback from the trial — and Paul's support of Proposition 38, disastrous for small businesses — imperiled his mayoral career.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • The floral motifs created a garden of light against the shimmering teal backdrop for a dramatic, yet delicate look.
    Pooja Shah, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Lorenza Rosé, $23 Year after year, the Lorenza team produces a rosé that's both light and delicate while still being chock-full of flavor and personality.
    Seth Eli Barlow, Arkansas Online, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • While Shawna and John were meant to be having a romantic anniversary dinner, Barb showed up unannounced and undermined Jennifer’s already feeble attempts at following the evening routine laid out for the young children.
    Sara Belcher, People.com, 9 May 2025
  • Rather than attempt a feeble defense of himself, Nick attacks June for the same willful ignorance her mother accused her of in Alaska.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 May 2025
Adjective
  • Their texture is soft and literally melts in your mouth.
    Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 2 June 2025
  • While investors remain hopeful for a soft landing for the U.S. economy, how severe could the situation become if another recession occurs?
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • Don’t let its slim, 5-pound design fool you — this lightweight vacuum is equipped with three suction modes that can tackle floor-to-ceiling messes for up to 65 minutes, according to the brand.
    Clara McMahon, People.com, 29 May 2025
  • Veliz turns 22 in September, and the chances of him becoming a success at Spurs feel slim.
    Jay Harris, New York Times, 29 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Frail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frail. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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