FRAIL Synonyms: 223 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

frail

adjective

ˈfrāl

Definition of frail

as in fragile

easily broken a frail eggshell

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in sensitive

easily injured without careful handling be careful with your grandmother, as she's very frail and a fall would be disastrous

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in weak

lacking bodily strength he was frail after a long battle with bronchitis

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in weakened

lacking strength of will or character a frail person, easily swayed by others

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in small

small in degree a frail hope of success

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 An individualized exercise and diet program can improve their chances of survival while on the waiting list, a study published Wednesday in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found, with the frailest patients often benefiting the most. — Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 22 Oct. 2026 In the novels, Violet is described as a small, frail cadet with dark black hair subtly streaked with silver who requires significantly more dragon-riding practice and precision than her peers. — Isabelle Farina, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026 At a concert this past weekend in Cincinnati, the Beach Boys’ first show since July, apart from a private performance in Dana Point, California, Love appeared somewhat frail, according to a fan video. — Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026 Reporters at the press conference marveled at how long the frail Davis went on, sharp and with seemingly boundless vitality. — Rance Collins, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for frail

Recent Examples of Synonyms for frail

Adjective

Furthermore, custom rigid shapes for every new material are expensive, fragile, and difficult to scale.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026
Mark DiCamillo, the poll’s director, said previous surveys showed support for Proposition 40 has been fragile, and the most recent shows its prospects have dimmed as election day approaches.

— Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of fragile

Adjective

State officials had provided a version of the rolls that withheld such sensitive personal information, citing privacy concerns.

— Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 2 Nov. 2026
An Israeli military official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media or to discuss sensitive operational matters, also confirmed the withdrawal.

— Francesca Ebel, Washington Post, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of sensitive

Adjective

Trump was implying Ukraine was in a weak negotiating position and did not have the military resources to fight against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

— Tom Jurkowsky, Baltimore Sun, 2 Nov. 2026
And some players are turning on the season as seen by them letting the Jaguars tear through weak tackle attempts to the tune of 183 rushing yards and three passing TDs by Trevor Lawrence.

— Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of weak

Adjective

The plan is for the two kaiju to fight so the humans might have an easier time doing a coup de grâce on the weakened victor.

— James Grebey, Time, 3 Nov. 2026
People with weakened immune systems and those who cannot be vaccinated are also at risk, the statement said.

— Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of weakened

Adjective

Rooms start at 535 square feet, and the interiors, designed by André Fu, lean into a delicate palette of sage and warm gold, paired with oak-wood paneling and floor-to-ceiling glass windows.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
How Image Processing Reveals the Solar Corona Capturing the corona’s delicate structures means finding a way to show its brightest and faintest features in the same image.

— IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of delicate

Adjective

As Claudia, Curtis is perfectly biting and obnoxious, willing to insert herself into her ex-husband’s life for sport, stomping on his feeble boundaries.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026
In 1937, Foyles started the Right Book Club, a rather feeble counterweight to Victor Gollancz’s Left Book Club.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of feeble

Adjective

The soft, lightweight layer features ribbed detailing that instantly dresses up classic jeans or trousers.

— Kaitlin Gates, InStyle, 5 Nov. 2026
Its official soft opening took place in December 2021, with a full opening planned for later in 2022 when its restaurant opens.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of soft

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fragrant

frail

frailly

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“Frail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frail. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of frail

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