1
as in to soften
to diminish the physical strength of
weeks of hardship in the desert had greatly weakened them
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to fade
to lose bodily strength or vigor
the bodybuilder weakened once she eased off on her workouts
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to dilute
to alter (something) for the worse with the addition of foreign or lower-grade substances
weakened the juice with too much water
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of weaken
Alabama legislators are hoping to boost the GOP in November’s midterm elections in the wake of last month’s Supreme Court decision weakening the Voting Rights Act.
—
Julian Mark, Washington Post, 11 May 2026
Using hot water on everything can shrink fabrics, fade colors and weaken elastic fibers.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 11 May 2026
The Supreme Court’s decision last month severely weakening the Voting Rights Act required Louisiana to reconsider a map drawn in 2024 with two majority minority congressional districts that elected Black representatives.
—John Hanna, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026
The Supreme Court sent the cases back to the lower court for further proceedings in light of its landmark ruling last month that weakened the Voting Rights Act.
—Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for weaken
Julian Mark, Washington Post, 11 May 2026
Using hot water on everything can shrink fabrics, fade colors and weaken elastic fibers.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 11 May 2026
The Supreme Court’s decision last month severely weakening the Voting Rights Act required Louisiana to reconsider a map drawn in 2024 with two majority minority congressional districts that elected Black representatives.
—John Hanna, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026
The Supreme Court sent the cases back to the lower court for further proceedings in light of its landmark ruling last month that weakened the Voting Rights Act.
—Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for weaken
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weaken
Verb
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Soaking sunflower seeds before planting can help with germination as this method softens the naturally hard outer layer of the seed.—
Alexandra Jones,
The Spruce,
11 May 2026
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Justin Sullivan | Getty Images From Domino’s Pizza to Applebee’s, restaurant chains are reporting that sales softened in March as gas prices spiked.—
Amelia Lucas,
CNBC,
11 May 2026
Verb
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In terms of where to beach, wide stretches of sand in Beach Haven remain some of the Jersey Shore’s most desirable, drawing surfers at sunrise, families hauling coolers and striped umbrellas by midday, and sunset walkers lingering until the sky fades pink over the dunes.—
Jessica Chapel,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 May 2026
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Inside, customers collect passport stamps, browse racks of worn leather and faded denim and line up for limited-edition tote bags tied to the second annual Vintage Store Day.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Footwear News,
15 May 2026
Verb
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By launching a version of the Royal Oak to the general public and transforming it into a playful, versatile pop culture object, the brand is taking a risky step toward diluting its own equity.—
Clara Ludmir,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
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Cynical congressional map dilutes Black voting power to target a kingmaker.—
Kathleen Parker,
Washington Post,
15 May 2026
Verb
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The impact ignited an engine fire, injuring a dozen passengers.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
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Even if Calafiori was not injured, Mosquera’s introduction and Rice’s return to midfield were necessary to start the second half.—
Art de Roché,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
Verb
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Does the couch have a tendency to sag?—
Meg Kernahan,
Architectural Digest,
15 May 2026
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The cushions will stay bouncy thanks to sinuous springs that prevent sagging over time.—
Christina Shepherd McGuire,
PEOPLE,
10 May 2026
Verb
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Of the 25 people who received blood serum testing, one asymptomatic veterinary professional showed evidence of a H5N1 infection after exposure to a cat infected with the disease.—
Christopher Edwards,
PEOPLE,
14 May 2026
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For example, our research suggests that investors would discount a $1 million bond issued by a rural county by nearly $14,000 if that county’s bats have become infected by white-nose syndrome.—
The Conversation,
Fortune,
14 May 2026
Verb
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TIAs are often warning signs that a person is at risk for a more serious and debilitating stroke, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.—
Vanessa Etienne,
PEOPLE,
11 May 2026
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Kerr took a leave of absence to recover from debilitating complications following two back surgeries, then missed time again in 2017 with Mike Brown filling in as Kerr underwent a procedure to deal with a spinal fluid leak.—
Janie McCauley,
Los Angeles Times,
10 May 2026
Verb
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In early 2022, after the state failed to pass a ban on such care for minors, Paxton wrote a legal opinion declaring transition care for minors to be child abuse.—
Jo Yurcaba,
NBC news,
16 May 2026
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The city filed a lawsuit saying the federal government failed to perform required reviews of how the project would affect the health and safety of residents and the environment.—
AJ Willingham,
AJC.com,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Weaken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weaken. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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