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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
  • This principle, applied across all workloads, is instrumental for reducing the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive data.
    Ben Blanquera, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Amino acids are more easily absorbed than proteins and do not damage the intestinal environment, which means even those with sensitive digestions can take them.
    MISAKI KAWATSU, Vogue, 10 June 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 name angel pie gives a few of this dessert's secrets away: The crust is a super delicate meringue that's crisp on the outside but marshmallowy on the inside.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 8 June 2025
  • While Ramsey was learning the delicate art of building firebreaks, a large fire broke out just outside the town.
    Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • But much like the hug stepped on the larger point of supplementing the military base, images of Whitmer hiding behind the folders added to a narrative that Democrats are feeble in the face of Trump's power and influence.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 1 May 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • Their texture is soft and literally melts in your mouth.
    Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 2 June 2025
  • The interior of my bZ Limited was comfortable, trimmed in appealing soft materials and roomy.
    Mark Phelan, USA Today, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Senate holds a slim majority, and at least four Senators, including Paul, have publicly expressed concerns over parts of the bill (the others are Ron Johnson, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski).
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • But once the Pratt Street location was chosen, Levy saw chances as slim.
    Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 8 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Frail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frail. Accessed 15 Jun. 2025.

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