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
These results indicate that after attaining a maximum value about 2 billion years ago, dark energy may have begun to weaken.
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Quanta Magazine,
22 June 2026
In November 2025, research was published that suggested the expansion of the universe was slowing, meaning dark energy would be weakening.
—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
22 June 2026
The Supreme Court's move comes almost two months after its conservative supermajority issued a major ruling that further weakened the Voting Rights Act, setting off a groundswell in redistricting across the country.
—
Hansi Lo Wang,
NPR,
22 June 2026
Aphids can weaken ferns and lead to yellowing fronds.
—
Sj McShane,
Martha Stewart,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for weaken
Quanta Magazine,
22 June 2026
In November 2025, research was published that suggested the expansion of the universe was slowing, meaning dark energy would be weakening.
—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
22 June 2026
The Supreme Court's move comes almost two months after its conservative supermajority issued a major ruling that further weakened the Voting Rights Act, setting off a groundswell in redistricting across the country.
—
Hansi Lo Wang,
NPR,
22 June 2026
Aphids can weaken ferns and lead to yellowing fronds.
—
Sj McShane,
Martha Stewart,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for weaken
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weaken
Verb
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Speaking of glow, Medicube is also marking down their milky toner, which helps boost radiance, soften skin, and increase hydration.
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Grandchildren tend to soften even the most complicated family disputes.
Verb
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Just faded to a dark backdrop of the forgotten.
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After Flowering As soon as the blooms fade, cut the flower stalk at the stalk base on an angle using sharp pruners, says Eric Nieusma, co-owner of Maine Hill Farm.
Verb
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In return, Tehran has reiterated its longstanding pledge not to build a nuclear weapon, promised to dilute near weapons-grade uranium, and agreed to unblock the Strait of Hormuz – concessions that don’t go significantly beyond its prewar offers.
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Alphabet went the other way and issued stock, which dilutes existing shareholders but adds no fixed interest bill to meet whether or not the AI bet pays off.
Verb
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An underage girl was injured and treated at a hospital.
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Sixty-six people were injured in the incident.
Verb
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Trump’s sagging approval rating comes as Democrats have a chance at outperforming Republicans in midterms, with Emerson’s May poll showing Democrats with a 9-point advantage on the generic congressional ballot, though 9% of voters were undecided.
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Teachers use it as a behavioral bargaining chip, administrators weigh playtime against sagging test scores and researchers argue over how best to structure the minutes.
Verb
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The news comes as Lackland Air Force Base in Texas — home to the Air Force's Basic Military Training program — grapples with a flu outbreak that has infected 275 people in recent weeks, a congressional staffer with knowledge of the matter told CBS News.
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Hall was infected in the 2000s and diagnosed in 2006, according to the Bay Area Lyme Foundation.
Verb
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Jewel was once homeless and suffering from debilitating mental health issues before transforming her life and becoming a successful singer and songwriter.
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According to Harvard University, symptoms can sometimes last more than a year and vary from mild to debilitating.
Verb
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With one out in the sixth and Nick Loftin at third, Tolbert twice failed to get down safety-squeeze bunts.
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Ryan Ward scored the winning run after Baltimore catcher Samuel Basallo failed to catch right fielder Tyler O’Neill’s throw to the plate.
Cite this Entry
“Weaken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weaken. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
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