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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 The frail but determined Francis greeted thousands in St. Peter's Square after Easter Mass in his open-air popemobile, just five weeks after a hospital stay. Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 Very old or frail tapestries may be best framed to protect them. Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 June 2025 And Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services data shows about one-quarter of all Medicaid benefits, more than $200 billion annually, pays for long-term care for about 9 million frail older adults and younger people with disabilities. Howard Gleckman, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025 First, most previous studies looked at the general older population, including healthy or mildly ill people, whereas this study focused on frail, vulnerable individuals receiving home care who might be more functionally limited but also better connected to formal care systems. New Atlas, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for frail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frail
Adjective
  • During the chandelier's cleaning process, the office said workers wear gloves to minimize human contact and ensure its integrity is not jeopardized because it is made up of soft and fragile materials.
    Keelin Fisher, Arkansas Online, 21 July 2025
  • Real grasscloth wallpaper, made from natural fibers like jute or seagrass, is extremely fragile and sensitive to moisture, paste, and pressure.
    Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 July 2025
Adjective
  • Businesses cannot process sensitive data without obtaining consumer consent.
    Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • The website Health in Her Hue, for example, connects Black women and women of color to culturally sensitive healthcare providers.
    Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
Adjective
  • This weak cash generation capability raises questions about the company’s ability to fund growth investments and return capital to shareholders.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • It is considered a serious condition and can be dangerous or life-threatening, especially to older adults, people with weak immune systems, and pregnant women.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 21 July 2025
Adjective
  • In a small bowl, combine the softened butter and garlic and mix well.
    Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 25 July 2025
  • Beyond providing an invitation for music-curious Austinites to come explore the clubs, the festival offers a lifeline to musicians and venues during the slow summer season, when small clubs that support emerging artists face some of their greatest challenges.
    Mars Salazar, Austin American Statesman, 25 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
  • Expected soft opening: August 2025 Details: 1325 Grand Ave., Suite 6, Phoenix.
    Bahar Anooshahr, AZCentral.com, 21 July 2025
  • The creamy, dual-action formula works to unclog keratin plugs without irritation, leaving areas such as the backs of the arms and thighs feeling noticeably softer.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 20 July 2025
Adjective
  • Investors know that distributors usually have slim margins; hence their stocks are cheap.
    John Dorfman, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
  • Johnson has become the regular defensive replacement for Sheets in left field, primarily late in games the Padres lead by a slim margin.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Frail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frail. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on frail

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