1
as in exhausted
depleted in strength, energy, or freshness
prostrate marathoners typically spend the day after the race recovering
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in weak
lacking bodily strength
prostrate with fear as the bombs began dropping
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to weaken
to diminish the physical strength of
an athlete prostrated for weeks by a bout of pneumonia
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to paralyze
to render powerless, ineffective, or unable to move
the huge increase in gas prices really prostrated the nation's economic engine
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to overwhelm
to subject to incapacitating emotional or mental stress
a widow prostrated by crushing grief
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4
as in to down
to strike (someone) so forcefully as to cause a fall
the boxer bragged that he could prostrate any opponent with a single blow
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of prostrate
Dennis Peck, oregonlive, 14 Aug. 2022
Johnson then stood over the prostrate Davis and fired two more times into his head, prosecutors said.
—Washington Post, 5 Apr. 2022
Charlie Campbell, Time, 26 June 2025
Basically a man who had built a solid reputation as a career university president naively entered the Church of Florida Autocracy, donned sackcloth and ashes and prostrated himself … ultimately for no heavenly reward whatsoever.
—Ron Cunningham, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for prostrate
Adjective
An excellent prostrate variety well suited to rockeries and pathways.
—Dennis Peck, oregonlive, 14 Aug. 2022
Johnson then stood over the prostrate Davis and fired two more times into his head, prosecutors said.
—Washington Post, 5 Apr. 2022
Verb
By right of his birth, the immigration officials should have prostrated themselves before Juthavachara Vivacharawongse, eyes glued to the sunbaked earth, before offering jasmine garlands and shepherding him toward a waiting limousine.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 26 June 2025
Basically a man who had built a solid reputation as a career university president naively entered the Church of Florida Autocracy, donned sackcloth and ashes and prostrated himself … ultimately for no heavenly reward whatsoever.
—Ron Cunningham, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for prostrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prostrate
Adjective
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Families are still overwhelmed and caregivers are still exhausted, and far too many conversations are still happening too late.—
Alex Rizo,
The Orlando Sentinel,
26 Mar. 2026
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Why tire himself out, become completely exhausted and out of breath, crumple up the bedsheets that were changed just a few days ago, get someone else’s germs all over himself, and then reek of sweat afterward?—
Agnieszka Szpila,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
An atmospheric river should track across California, even into southern California, by Tuesday, March 31, but is currently forecast to remain too weak to cause flooding issues, the WPC said.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2026
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At the hospital in Dollow, mothers sat shoulder to shoulder on narrow beds holding frail children, some too weak to cry while others let out soft whimpers.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
More than 35% of women in the US are deficient in vitamin D, and postmenopausal women diagnosed with osteoporosis are especially prone, according to a 2010 article in the Journal of Oncology Practice.—
Caroline Tien,
SELF,
27 Mar. 2026
-
But the scale and intensity of the current crisis have renewed concerns about disaster preparedness and the vulnerability of communities living near rivers and flood-prone areas.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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But the president contends there is no excuse for the lack of participation now that Iran's navy has been sunk and its air defenses severely weakened.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2026
-
In the state’s view, that weakens or muddies the legal boundary between the two types of gambling venues.—
Amanda Greenwood,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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And when in doubt or if you’re paralyzed with the paradox of two choices, stick to room temperature.—
Audrey Noble,
Vogue,
28 Mar. 2026
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Locals take photos of two bulk carriers anchored in Muscat, Oman, March 25, 2026, as Tehran keeps international maritime traffic largely paralyzed in the Strait of Hormuz amid the war.—
Ramy Inocencio,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Home buyers have gained even more leverage over sellers as housing market supply continues to overwhelm tepid demand.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
28 Mar. 2026
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Ultimately, the Gophers — making their first NCAA tournament since 2018, and first Sweet 16 since 2005 — were overwhelmed by their Big Ten rival’s size and experience.—
John Shipley,
Twin Cities,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Faith Christian topples All Saints Grapevine Faith Christian got 3 hits, including an inside-the-park home run, from Michaela Hamilton as the Lions downed Fort Worth All Saints 5-2 in a TAPPS Division II District 1 contest on Monday.—
Darren Lauber,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
25 Mar. 2026
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Report downed power lines to the police.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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They have been seen directing snaking security lines and passing out water bottles to tired travelers.—
Elizabeth Wolfe,
CNN Money,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Step in when someone’s tired or needs a break.—
Chris John Amorosino,
Hartford Courant,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Prostrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prostrate. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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