1
as in dying
nearly dead
with its run-down look and empty aisles, the grocery store appeared moribund
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in obsolete
having passed its time of use or usefulness
youngsters snickering at the moribund slang their parents were using
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of moribund
And with moribund growth and an aging population, Berlin cannot afford to prop up the country’s current levels of social spending.
—
Sudha David-Wilp, Foreign Affairs, 23 Dec. 2025
Heaving on the shore after nearly being taken under the rapacious waves, Byrne is released from a moribund procession of sound and light.
—Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025
But the town was controlled by ISIS at times during Syria’s civil war, and the economy remains moribund.
—Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 18 Dec. 2025
The kingdom missed out on a rally in emerging market stocks this year and analysts expect a similarly moribund performance in 2026.
—Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for moribund
Sudha David-Wilp, Foreign Affairs, 23 Dec. 2025
Heaving on the shore after nearly being taken under the rapacious waves, Byrne is released from a moribund procession of sound and light.
—Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025
But the town was controlled by ISIS at times during Syria’s civil war, and the economy remains moribund.
—Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 18 Dec. 2025
The kingdom missed out on a rally in emerging market stocks this year and analysts expect a similarly moribund performance in 2026.
—Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for moribund
Recent Examples of Synonyms for moribund
Adjective
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Garden centers aren't giving a refund for a dying or dead plant but rather a discount on a new purchase.—
Lauren David,
Southern Living,
17 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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Other job training groups at the time also saw their training becoming obsolete.—
Michael Bernick,
Forbes.com,
28 Jan. 2026
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While there’s been a massive build-out of satellites for telecommunications, defense and climate monitoring, the equipment for controlling and communicating with them is aging and becoming obsolete.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Yet university leaders have spoken optimistically about the future, bolstered by its new membership in the Mid-American Conference (MAC), its coaching staff and a $25 million renovation of its archaic football stadium.—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
23 Jan. 2026
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But while the word’s general usage sounds more than a little archaic in the 21st century, its application to a particular kind of deceit prohibited in war remains active law.—
Harmeet Kaur,
CNN Money,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The pair led City to the Third Division title in May 1985, but triumph turned to tragedy on the final day of the season as the antiquated main stand caught fire with devastating consequences.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
9 Jan. 2026
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Insufferable antiquated federal standards reflect low expectations that do not meet the modern day needs of working New Yorkers.—
Gian Carlo Pedulla,
New York Daily News,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The quaint city suffered very little damage during World War II, meaning its distinctly medieval structures have managed to remain intact over the years.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Jan. 2026
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Take the quiz here … LEGENDARY LISTING – Jaw-dropping medieval castle with 100 rooms hits market with nearly 1,000 years of history.—
,
FOXNews.com,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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As for makeup, Jenner went with peachy tones, glamming up with pink cheeks, orange eyeshadow, luminous skin, and a rusty lip.—
Christina Perrier,
InStyle,
4 Jan. 2026
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The long layoff leaves teams sluggish and rusty, especially on offense, when facing opponents that played 10 days earlier in the opening round.—
Jon Wilner,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Moribund.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/moribund. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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