Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective infirm contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of infirm are decrepit, feeble, fragile, frail, and weak. While all these words mean "not strong enough to endure strain, pressure, or strenuous effort," infirm suggests instability, unsoundness, and insecurity due to old age or crippling illness.

infirm residents requiring constant care

When would decrepit be a good substitute for infirm?

While the synonyms decrepit and infirm are close in meaning, decrepit implies being worn-out or broken-down from long use or old age.

the dowager's decrepit retainers

In what contexts can feeble take the place of infirm?

Although the words feeble and infirm have much in common, feeble suggests extreme weakness inviting pity or contempt.

a feeble attempt to walk

When could fragile be used to replace infirm?

The synonyms fragile and infirm are sometimes interchangeable, but fragile suggests frailty and brittleness unable to resist rough usage.

a reclusive poet too fragile for the rigors of this world

When is it sensible to use frail instead of infirm?

The words frail and infirm are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, frail implies delicacy and slightness of constitution or structure.

a frail teenager unable to enjoy sports

When can weak be used instead of infirm?

The meanings of weak and infirm largely overlap; however, 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 infirm All of them lied, along with the mainstream media, as to how infirm Biden has been for years and would not admit that Kamala Harris’ policies were identical to Biden’s. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 28 Jan. 2025 Harper and Ullman said the younger women sometimes looked after elderly, infirm or penniless prisoners. Julie K. Brown, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2025 The investigation reveals a dismal picture of a company with a sales culture that depends on squeezing infirm and elderly patients and the government for every penny. Peter Elkind, ProPublica, 13 Nov. 2024 The final version of the report has a higher price tag than the draft The Times published last month, primarily due to the addition of the higher level of care facilities, which officials say are needed for a population that’s increasingly infirm. Liam Dillon, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for infirm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infirm
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • Our frail nature, damaged by our propensity to mess things up, stands in need of grace and salvation.
    Anna Rowlands, Time, 12 May 2025
  • Remembering Pope Francis, a leader known for change Pope Francis' death comes just one day after the frail but determined pontiff greeted thousands after Easter Mass in his open-air popemobile.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 22 Apr. 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
  • The state program provides monthly cash benefits to elderly, blind and disabled noncitizens who are ineligible for Social Security benefits because of their immigration status.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2025
  • The car was shot up in the melee and the driver sped away, with the vehicle ultimately becoming disabled on the highway, Delva said.
    David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 13 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Infirm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infirm. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on infirm

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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