WEAK Synonyms: 289 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'weak' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of weak are decrepit , feeble , fragile , frail , and infirm . While all these words mean "not strong enough to endure strain, pressure, or strenuous effort," weak applies to deficiency or inferiority in strength or power of any sort. // felt weak after the surgery

Q: When is it sensible to use 'decrepit' instead of 'weak'?

The synonyms decrepit and weak are sometimes interchangeable, but decrepit implies being worn-out or broken-down from long use or old age. // the dowager's decrepit retainers

Q: In what contexts can 'feeble' take the place of 'weak'?

Although the words feeble and weak have much in common, feeble suggests extreme weakness inviting pity or contempt. // a feeble attempt to walk

Q: When might 'fragile' be a better fit than 'weak'?

While in some cases nearly identical to weak , fragile suggests frailty and brittleness unable to resist rough usage. // a reclusive poet too fragile for the rigors of this world

Q: When is 'frail' a more appropriate choice than 'weak'?

The meanings of frail and weak largely overlap; however, frail implies delicacy and slightness of constitution or structure. // a frail teenager unable to enjoy sports

Q: Where would 'infirm' be a reasonable alternative to 'weak'?

The words infirm and weak are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, infirm suggests instability, unsoundness, and insecurity due to old age or crippling illness. // infirm residents requiring constant care

weak

adjective

ˈwēk

Definition of weak next

as in weakened

lacking bodily strength the little boy was simply too weak to lift the box

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in soft

lacking strength of will or character I was too weak to resist the free doughnuts in the office break room

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in thin

not containing very much of some important element the coffee came out too weak because I didn't use enough ground beans

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in unreasonable

not using or following good reasoning your argument is weak

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in helpless

unable to act or achieve one's purpose the vice president is a relatively weak official

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective weak contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of weak are decrepit, feeble, fragile, frail, and infirm. While all these words mean "not strong enough to endure strain, pressure, or strenuous effort," weak applies to deficiency or inferiority in strength or power of any sort.

felt weak after the surgery

When is it sensible to use decrepit instead of weak?

The synonyms decrepit and weak are sometimes interchangeable, but decrepit implies being worn-out or broken-down from long use or old age.

the dowager's decrepit retainers

In what contexts can feeble take the place of weak?

Although the words feeble and weak have much in common, feeble suggests extreme weakness inviting pity or contempt.

a feeble attempt to walk

When might fragile be a better fit than weak?

While in some cases nearly identical to weak, fragile suggests frailty and brittleness unable to resist rough usage.

a reclusive poet too fragile for the rigors of this world

When is frail a more appropriate choice than weak?

The meanings of frail and weak largely overlap; however, frail implies delicacy and slightness of constitution or structure.

a frail teenager unable to enjoy sports

Where would infirm be a reasonable alternative to weak?

The words infirm and weak are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, infirm suggests instability, unsoundness, and insecurity due to old age or crippling illness.

infirm residents requiring constant care

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 weak Some of Thomas’s critique appeared to be aimed at weak-willed conservatives, including his fellow-Justices, for being, as Thomas perceives it, too spineless to stand up for the ideals enshrined in the Declaration. —

Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 21 May 2026 They were considered to have strange physical afflictions or weak mental attitudes, and some people with endocrine diseases were even dismissed as ‘freaks’ and heckled in circuses or locked away in institutions. —

Literary Hub, 20 May 2026 But behind the pomp and platitudes, Putin is also facing Xi in a much weaker position than during his last visit to Beijing in September. —

Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 20 May 2026 The affordability squeeze is colliding with that decline and with weaker job creation, Puri said. —

Lou Ponsi, Oc Register, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for weak

Recent Examples of Synonyms for weak

Adjective

Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal illness in young children, elderly people or people with weakened immune systems.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2026
Older children and adults with weakened immune systems also are vulnerable.

— Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 27 May 2026

Definition of weakened

Browse Nearby Words

waywardness

weak

weaken

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Weak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weak. Accessed 30 May. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of weak

adjective

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on weak

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

unctuous

Popular in Grammar & Usage

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

On ‘Suffice It to Say’

Regarding the Incorrect Use of 'Decimate'

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Popular in Wordplay

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

Strange Words for Body Functions

Where does 'curiosity killed the cat' come from?

What to Call the Inept, Incompetent, and Inferior

The Words of the Week - May 29

Popular

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

Strange Words for Body Functions

Games & Quizzes