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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 Healthy aging and walking Whether or not an older adult is frail, mobility is still an important part of healthy aging. Gina Park, CNN Money, 16 July 2025 Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause severe and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail and elderly people, as well as those with a weakened immune system. Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 18 July 2025 While certain exceptions allow frail individuals and parents of dependent children a pass from these work requirements, the provisions are wide enough to impact millions of Americans. Ross Marchand, Baltimore Sun, 17 July 2025 Under the law, parents of children 13 years and younger and medically frail individuals are exempt from the work requirements. Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 12 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for frail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frail
Adjective
  • These species play a crucial role in maintaining balance within the fragile ecosystem.
    Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2025
  • At the same time, Jota’s death has brought certain things into sharp context, about how fragile life — and within that, something like a football career — can be.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Federated Learning: This privacy-preserving technique allows AI models to learn from decentralized data across games and platforms without compromising user privacy, enhancing moderation without centralizing sensitive data.
    Anees Ali Khan, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Not all acres are equal, of course, but there are myriad existing laws to protect areas that are sensitive for ecological, cultural, or other good reasons.
    Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • And if tariffs only cause a one-time jump in prices, weaker purchasing power could slow the economy.
    Raul Elizalde, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • The airline cited weak travel demand and financial challenges.
    Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • On a sunny morning in late June, his exercise regimen began with small steps: His right foot keeping pace with the treadmill, his left foot stationary, off to the side.
    Michael Collins, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2025
  • Going directly from cooking inside the house and only trying my own food to trying small restaurants and traveling within a week’s span was a blessing.
    Kenneth J. Williams Jr, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Another layer of pastry sits atop the mixture and is covered in crystal sugar, which adds a nice sweetness to contrast the tart filling, as well as a delicate crunch in each bite.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Exercising sound discretion while remaining faithful to the grantor’s wishes is a delicate balancing act that requires insight and judgment.
    Royce Ramey, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • But Morgan Stanley suggested the feeble job gains of the past three months would spur the Fed to act in September despite stable unemployment.
    Paul Davidson, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2025
  • But that looks feeble next to Bitcoin, which made new record highs yesterday, cresting over $122,000 per coin.
    Jim Edwards, Fortune, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • Another classic silhouette, Arhaus’s blend of jute and cotton makes this rug feel slightly softer underfoot.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 13 Aug. 2025
  • The latter gets rid of flaky skin, while the balm keeps them soft.
    Shivani Vora, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Advertisement Trump could test the strength of the Republican Party’s slim House and Senate majorities by trying to repeal or suspend the Home Rule Act.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Most functions are accessed via a slim center console with hexagonal haptic touchpads.
    Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 6 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Frail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frail. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on frail

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