limp 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of limpnext
1
as in floppy
not stiff in structure his broken arm was limp as he held it against his side

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2
as in tired
depleted in strength, energy, or freshness the limp runners just dropped to the ground after crossing the finish line

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3
as in listless
lacking bodily energy or motivation the team's limp performance has many calling for the head coach's resignation

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limp

2 of 2

verb

ˈlimp How to pronounce limp (audio)
1
as in to shuffle
to walk while favoring one leg she limped all day after stubbing her toe on the lawn sprinkler

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2
as in to stumble
to proceed or act clumsily or ineffectually the damaged boat limped back into port

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3
as in to drag
to move slowly we'll have to stop limping if we are ever going to make our destination in time

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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 limp
Adjective
For best results when cooking zoodles before serving, aim for a fettuccine-like width—thick enough to hold their shape without turning limp. — Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Aug. 2026 But even green beans and peppers can grow a little limp in the sun. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2026
Verb
Miles, still limping, was well enough to appear in the audience for Minnesota’s postgame press conference. — Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026 Alonso was checked by trainers after his single in the 10th and appeared to be limping but stayed in the game. — ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for limp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for limp
  1. floppy
  2. tired
  3. listless
  4. shuffle
  5. stumble
  6. drag
  7. exhausted
  8. weak
Adjective
  • Modeling the look in the floor-length mirror of her hotel room, the mom of one paired the look with a floppy white sunhat, shades, and a pair of cream slippers.
    — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The clothes are body-conscious—with the occasional nod to a floppy tradwife sleeve.
    — Robin Givhan, Vanity Fair, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of floppy
Adjective
  • His handicapping merited attention and newsletter sales, but Steele soon tired of tipping his own hand to the oddsmakers in Vegas.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • More and more young people are turning toward low- or no-tech lives, tired of the endless scroll most of us face for hours each day.
    — Greta Cross, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of tired
Adjective
  • Berterame started up front along with Luis Suarez, but the duo were unable to find the back of the net in a listless first half that remained scoreless as the teams headed to intermission.
    — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The Chiefs’ running game was so listless that defenses ignored fake handoffs and instead retreated to defend the pass, knowing the consequences of guessing wrong weren’t all that punishing anyway.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of listless
Verb
  • Since Brian Schottenheimer lasted six years, from 2006 until 2011, the Jets have shuffled through 10 offensive coordinators (including Reich), and none lasted for more than two seasons.
    — Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The line shuffles forward quickly, and my heart knots in my chest as Heartfillers are dosed to each person up ahead.
    — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of shuffle
Verb
  • The Miami Dolphins stumbled through a lopsided preseason loss to the New York Giants, sustained a key injury and continued sorting through roster questions before the season opener.
    — Jeff Kleinman, Miami Herald, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Most injuries occurred as residents were tossed from beds or stumbled in the dark; trains and airport links were briefly disrupted, a Tokyo water main burst, and hundreds lost power.
    — Mari Yamaguchi, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of stumble
Verb
  • The multiday move lower in oil prices has also dragged bond yields lower.
    — Steve Kopack, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The Huskies ultimately won both ends of a home-and-home series, but the second game dragged perilously into overtime.
    — Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of drag
Adjective
  • The offense was unproductive, the bullpen exhausted and starters gassed after several extra-inning games and three sticky games against the Cardinals.
    — Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Such weapons are proving increasingly difficult for Kyiv to shoot down, with supplies of US Patriot interceptors – one of the few systems capable of taking down ballistic missiles pretty much exhausted.
    — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of exhausted
Adjective
  • The heat has caused a fall in nuclear generation, with power plants forced to shut down or reduce production across the region, while wind power generation has been weak over the summer.
    — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The state financial watchdog attributed the disbursement problems to administrative delays, weak project management, and late counterpart funding from the Congolese government.
    — Ruben Nyanguila, semafor.com, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of weak

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Cite this Entry

“Limp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/limp. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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