PROSTRATES Synonyms: 127 Similar and Opposite Words

prostrates

verb

present tense third-person singular of prostrate

as in weakens

to diminish the physical strength of an athlete prostrated for weeks by a bout of pneumonia

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as in paralyzes

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

as in overwhelms

to subject to incapacitating emotional or mental stress a widow prostrated by crushing grief

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as in downs

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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prostrates

Verb

Even if Korea can maintain 2% economic growth over the next two decades, consumption growth gradually weakens and eventually turns negative, according to Goldman’s long-term modeling.

— Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
As that frozen ground warms and ice inside thaws, the cement weakens, and slopes that stood for thousands of years can lose their grip.

— Umesh Haritashya, The Conversation, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of weakens

Verb

Fear, like ignorance, shuts our eyes to and paralyzes our trust in God’s omnipotence, omniscience, and unfailing love for His children, whereas the understanding of God’s ever-present goodness removes the fear that generates suffering.

— André Kisonga, Christian Science Monitor, 30 June 2026
These opportunists drown out the core mission, creating a cacophony of competing voices that confuses donors, crowd the inboxes of CEOs and members of Congress with colliding petitions, and paralyzes meaningful action by draining critical funding and attention away from the truly effective groups.

— Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 28 June 2026

Definition of paralyzes

Verb

And yet, in Yoon’s hands, a character’s suffering never overwhelms their capacity for tenderness.

— Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026
One person has died and rescues are underway as catastrophic flooding overwhelms the Hill Country, a little more than a year after the July 4 floods killed more than 130 people in Central Texas.

— Mary Ella Hastings July 16, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026

Definition of overwhelms

Verb

Nearly everyone rides a stationary bike — high tension, low speed — after a match and quickly downs a protein recovery drink.

— Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Springtown takes edge in 7-4A race, downs Decatur Springtown got the inside track on the District 7-4A championship after beating Decatur 4-2 in 8 innings on Monday night at Decatur High School.

— Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Apr. 2026

Definition of downs

Verb

This unit has plenty of opportunities to gel by November, when the schedule softens a bit before a potential playoff push.

— Zak Keefer, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
This face serum brightens and evens skin tone, fights free radicals, supports collagen production and softens the look of fine lines and wrinkles for glowing, healthy-looking skin.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of softens

Verb

Water-Jet Guided Laser technology overcomes this challenge by channeling a laser inside a microscopic jet of water to precisely cut the material while simultaneously cooling the surface and clearing away debris.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026
Maybe your favorite wrestler finally overcomes insurmountable odds to become a world champion.

— Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of overcomes

Verb

Northern Illinois drops after not recording a first down at Iowa until late in the third quarter against the Hawkeyes' third-string defense.

— Chris Vannini, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Highlights and experiences It is always a special event stepping out of Venice’s airport onto a pontoon and a polished mahogany water taxi that drops you off canalside near your hotel, after a purr through the Grand Canal.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of drops

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.

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prostrated

prostrates

prostrating

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“Prostrates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prostrates. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of prostrates

verb

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