1
as in weakening
to diminish the physical strength of
an athlete prostrated for weeks by a bout of pneumonia
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in paralyzing
to render powerless, ineffective, or unable to move
the huge increase in gas prices really prostrated the nation's economic engine
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in overcoming
to subject to incapacitating emotional or mental stress
a widow prostrated by crushing grief
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in downing
to strike (someone) so forcefully as to cause a fall
the boxer bragged that he could prostrate any opponent with a single blow
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 prostrating
His prostrating himself in front of Vladimir Putin is now oily and explainable.
—
Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 11 Jan. 2026
Typically, penitents would remain outside church gatherings, demonstrating their repentance by prostrating themselves, and then publicly confess.
—Timothy Gabrielli, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2025
Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 11 Jan. 2026
Typically, penitents would remain outside church gatherings, demonstrating their repentance by prostrating themselves, and then publicly confess.
—Timothy Gabrielli, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prostrating
Verb
-
Seniors are the most reliable midterm voters in the country, and with the 2026 elections approaching and affordability already their top concern, weakening this program is a risk Republicans should not be taking.—
Joe Hardy,
Boston Herald,
28 Mar. 2026
-
However, rejecting the goal of citizenship verification altogether risks weakening public confidence in the system.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
At age 14, Arias was caught in the crossfire of a shootout between rival gangs, paralyzing him from the waist down.—
Kayla Hayempour,
NBC news,
8 Mar. 2026
-
In a region where weather swings from paralyzing ice storms to scorching summers, these elements carry weight.—
Mary Grace Granados
Special Contributor,
Dallas Morning News,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Applicants must write an essay that reflects a background of overcoming adversity, such as growing up in a low-income setting or losing a parent.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Waring and Woodland are both in the midst of overcoming big obstacles of a different nature.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The Hawks have won 40 games after downing the Grizzlies 146-107 on Monday night.—
Lauren Williams,
AJC.com,
24 Mar. 2026
-
Some of its members have rallied under the screwy rap banner Chugg, which came from affiliates Cash300 and Onemillionkisses’ birthdays in 2023, when the crew was watching the YouTuber BadlandsChugs, who won a Guinness World Record for downing a liter of Mountain Dew in six seconds.—
Pitchfork,
Pitchfork,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
On the other hand, taupe bags work just as well with bold color pairings, softening them with a sense of ease.—
Minty Mellon,
Vogue,
31 Mar. 2026
-
So far lawmakers haven’t, slowing, softening and then shooting down a bipartisan measure that would have enlisted the state Department of Agriculture to take on the burgeoning pest.—
Mark Dee
March 31,
Idaho Statesman,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
That’s a barrier, undermining the very mission of the Endowment, which in recent years has made significant investments to expand access to high-quality care for Nutmeg State families of diverse backgrounds.—
Josette Walters,
Hartford Courant,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Accordingly, the warring factions have competed to depict themselves as the true embodiment of MAGA and paint their rivals as undermining Trump or deviating from his precepts.—
Jonathan Chait,
The Atlantic,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Bottled at 93 proof, the higher alcohol content helps amplify the complexity without overwhelming the balance.—
Jessica Safavimehr,
Southern Living,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Start by exploring a documentary, mapping a trip, or signing up for a course that stretches your thinking without overwhelming your schedule.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Multiple Waymo vehicles also have appeared on social media as stopping traffic or dropping people off in the wrong locations.—
Michael Butler,
Miami Herald,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Temperatures are forecast to continue dropping until sunrise, reaching 64 degrees, before climbing back up to 70 around noon.—
Julia James,
Dallas Morning News,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Prostrating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prostrating. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
