as in weak
lacking strength of will or character
management is too weak-kneed to effectively enforce even a minimal dress code
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of weak-kneed
That NextEra could rack up a string of scandals and still extract multi-billion-dollar rate hikes for FPL stems directly from weak-kneed, inept oversight by the Florida Public Service Commission.
—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
30 May 2026
But after stumbling, skier after skier tightened their boots, collected loose skis, and proceeded to do tricks that those of us at the bottom feel weak-kneed to even watch.
—
Story Hinckley,
Christian Science Monitor,
10 Feb. 2026
The steadfast pushback against the administration might appear on the surface to be an encouraging trend, given the complaisance of the Republican majorities in Congress and weak-kneed capitulation to Trump by leaders of institutions such as universities and major corporations.
—
Los Angeles Times,
5 Feb. 2026
Being healthy was culturally coded as being a weak-kneed liberal elite.
—
Matt Lewis,
Washington Post,
14 Jan. 2026
Despite the bleak picture painted by Democrats and weak-kneed RINOs that Trump wanted poor people to just die and be done with it, there were reasonable explanations for all the budget changes that had nothing to do with genocide.
—
Frank Miele,
The Orlando Sentinel,
20 July 2025
And that’s been a problem — well, at least for discerning, weak-kneed cosmopolitan viewers like me.
—
Stephen Rodrick,
Rolling Stone,
9 Mar. 2025
Thankfully, the City Council, not our weak-kneed mayor, has the last say.
—
Peter L. Markowitz,
New York Daily News,
22 Jan. 2025
Sadly, Pope Paul VI, who succeeded John XIII, was weak-kneed, while John Paul II and Benedict XVI were conservative revanchists.
—
R. R. Reno,
Foreign Affairs,
13 Nov. 2018
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
30 May 2026
But after stumbling, skier after skier tightened their boots, collected loose skis, and proceeded to do tricks that those of us at the bottom feel weak-kneed to even watch.
—
Story Hinckley,
Christian Science Monitor,
10 Feb. 2026
The steadfast pushback against the administration might appear on the surface to be an encouraging trend, given the complaisance of the Republican majorities in Congress and weak-kneed capitulation to Trump by leaders of institutions such as universities and major corporations.
—
Los Angeles Times,
5 Feb. 2026
Being healthy was culturally coded as being a weak-kneed liberal elite.
—
Matt Lewis,
Washington Post,
14 Jan. 2026
Despite the bleak picture painted by Democrats and weak-kneed RINOs that Trump wanted poor people to just die and be done with it, there were reasonable explanations for all the budget changes that had nothing to do with genocide.
—
Frank Miele,
The Orlando Sentinel,
20 July 2025
And that’s been a problem — well, at least for discerning, weak-kneed cosmopolitan viewers like me.
—
Stephen Rodrick,
Rolling Stone,
9 Mar. 2025
Thankfully, the City Council, not our weak-kneed mayor, has the last say.
—
Peter L. Markowitz,
New York Daily News,
22 Jan. 2025
Sadly, Pope Paul VI, who succeeded John XIII, was weak-kneed, while John Paul II and Benedict XVI were conservative revanchists.
—
R. R. Reno,
Foreign Affairs,
13 Nov. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weak-kneed
Adjective
-
Depressed wages, a weak currency and hyperinflation have continued to make life difficult for ordinary Venezuelans, many of whom struggle to afford basic goods.
-
There, the Sox scored on a weak, off-line throw from shallow left fielder José Caballero.
Adjective
-
Listeria is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, or others with weakened immune systems.
-
Though minor gastrointestinal discomfort is the most common symptom of exposure, pathogens that may cause only minor sickness in some people may cause serious conditions or death in the very young, old, or those with weakened immune systems.
Adjective
-
Recreational swimming is not permitted, yet anglers fishing for tilapia, largemouth bass and carp are a common sight along the rocky sides of the soft-bottom areas.
-
That first bite delivers the crispy outside with a soft chew of rice, followed by the hot dog.
Cite this Entry
“Weak-kneed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weak-kneed. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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