1
as in fragile
easily broken
a frail eggshell
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
3
as in weak
lacking bodily strength
he was frail after a long battle with bronchitis
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in weakened
lacking strength of will or character
a frail person, easily swayed by others
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in small
small in degree
a frail hope of success
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
With this, Trump is offering Putin a frail fig leaf of respectability.
—
Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2025
The frail Francis had celebrated Easter with public words to his faithful flock and a brief meeting with Vice President JD Vance.
—Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2025
And about one-quarter of all Medicaid benefits, more than $200 billion, goes to long-term care for about 9 million frail older adults and people with disabilities.
—Howard Gleckman, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
In a three-year study of nearly 25,000 women ages 65 to 79, for example, those who consumed about 50 percent more protein than the federal recommendation were less frail than those who consumed less.
—Alice Callahan, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for frail
Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2025
The frail Francis had celebrated Easter with public words to his faithful flock and a brief meeting with Vice President JD Vance.
—Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2025
And about one-quarter of all Medicaid benefits, more than $200 billion, goes to long-term care for about 9 million frail older adults and people with disabilities.
—Howard Gleckman, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
In a three-year study of nearly 25,000 women ages 65 to 79, for example, those who consumed about 50 percent more protein than the federal recommendation were less frail than those who consumed less.
—Alice Callahan, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for frail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frail
Adjective
-
Even in the best of times, long-term observations can be very fragile.—
Eric Morgan,
Wired News,
10 May 2025
-
Fiber optic cable, in my opinion, is more fragile than traditional solid-copper coaxial cable.—
Tim Carter,
Hartford Courant,
10 May 2025
Adjective
-
Security clearance requirements limit the most sensitive jobs to U.S. citizens.—
Davis Winkie,
USA Today,
19 May 2025
-
This question asks for personal sensitive information that is protected by privacy laws.—
Ernesto Londoño,
New York Times,
18 May 2025
Adjective
-
Thompson’s brother Maurice, who allegedly drove the chasing Chevrolet Equinox, was granted bail in October — indicating a potentially weak case.—
Meredith Colias-Pete,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2025
-
The report also included a number of ‘weak’ odor sources observed during the study, including odors emanating from the Curaleaf cannabis facility on Britt Road and Goldflower Cannabis facility on Niles Road.—
James Wilkins,
The Orlando Sentinel,
9 May 2025
Adjective
-
Instead, Atkinson took up golf for the first time and renewed his connection to scientific research, not the least of which was how a small white ball repeatedly avoids a hole in the ground.—
Barbara Bry,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 May 2025
-
The Court of International Trade previously rejected the small businesses' request to temporarily pause the tariffs while their lawsuit went forward, but then quickly scheduled Tuesday’s court hearing to decide whether to rule against the tariffs or impose a longer-term pause.—
Dietrich Knauth,
USA Today,
14 May 2025
Adjective
-
Wirtz is focused more on the micro, with delicate touches and deft flicks, compared to Szoboszlai’s macro traits of energy and power.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
16 May 2025
-
This transformation requires a delicate balancing act.—
Miles Ward,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
During a question-and-answer session, shareholders grumbled about everything from the falling share price and feeble dividend of 6 euros versus 14 euros in 2023 to the complicated WiFi login process and historic lack of shareholder gifts.—
Miles Socha,
Footwear News,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Some reactions might be softer and less pronounced, while others could be obsessive and overwhelming.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
-
Since then, only a few structural modifications and modern changes have been made—wood-burning stoves were replaced by propane heaters, and horses and mules were swapped for llamas (their feet are softer and less damaging to the ground).—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
21 May 2025
Adjective
-
German filmmaker Petzold comes to Cannes for the first time with a minor-key new drama, which burrows into the psyche despite its slim running time and almost perverse refusal to explain itself or the shapes its narrative takes.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
17 May 2025
-
Republicans hold a slim majority in both the House and Senate and are eager to pick up more seats in midterm elections, with Trump's help.—
Anna Commander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Frail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frail. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share