1
2
3

Synonym Chooser

How is the word weaken distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of weaken are cripple, debilitate, disable, enfeeble, sap, and undermine. While all these words mean "to lose or cause to lose strength or vigor," weaken may imply loss of physical strength, health, soundness, or stability or of quality, intensity, or effective power.

a disease that weakens the body's defenses

When would cripple be a good substitute for weaken?

While in some cases nearly identical to weaken, cripple implies causing a serious loss of functioning power through damaging or removing an essential part or element.

crippled by arthritis

Where would debilitate be a reasonable alternative to weaken?

The words debilitate and weaken can be used in similar contexts, but debilitate suggests a less marked or more temporary impairment of strength or vitality.

the debilitating effects of surgery

When could disable be used to replace weaken?

While the synonyms disable and weaken are close in meaning, disable suggests bringing about impairment or limitation in a physical or mental ability.

disabled by an injury sustained at work

When might enfeeble be a better fit than weaken?

The synonyms enfeeble and weaken are sometimes interchangeable, but enfeeble implies a condition of marked weakness and helplessness.

enfeebled by starvation

How are the words undermine and sap related as synonyms of weaken?

Both undermine and sap suggest a weakening by something working surreptitiously and insidiously.

a poor diet undermines your health
drugs had sapped his ability to think

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 weaken If the economy weakens enough, the Fed may respond by lowering interest rates to stimulate growth. Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 26 June 2025 Because democracy is weakened when too much attention is placed on state power alone. Narges Mohammadi, Time, 25 June 2025 In the near term, currency woes are expected to mount due to rising crude oil prices, according to analysts at Citi, who forecast for the yen to weaken to 150 per U.S. dollar by September. Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 25 June 2025 Critics say the agreements will weaken the trust between immigrants and law enforcement and lower the reporting of crime. Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for weaken
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weaken
Verb
  • Freezing is best when using your onions for cooked dishes like soups, stews, sautés, or stir-fries, as the texture will soften after thawing.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 21 June 2025
  • Has the business with Grady softened their stance on him at all?
    Hunter Ingram, Variety, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Once the uncertainty begins to fade, capital returns more quickly than most anticipate.
    Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • The red measurement markings also have a tendency to fade over time, especially with frequent dishwasher use.
    Francesca Krempa, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Consider, for instance, the incentives for homeowners to make significant investments in rooftop solar only to have the rules of the game changed so as to dilute the original benefits.
    Harvey Levine, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 June 2025
  • By issuing bonds, which were approved at a June 3 school-board meeting, the nation’s second-largest school system stretches out repayments over 15 years, diluting the toll on its annual budget — and on services and programs.
    Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • Clark has been injured and has struggled lately, going just 13-of-47 from three-point territory in her last three games and missing six of the Indiana Fever's 16 games this season.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
  • At least 968 civilians were killed and over 4,800 injured.
    Katya Soldak, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • The latex makes this mattress buoyant and responsive, which is critical in keeping your hips from sagging and your lower back will be adequately supported.
    Nora Colomer may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 27 June 2025
  • For Steve Hill, CEO and President of the city’s tourism board, this downturn is in part seasonal, and a likely response to a sagging economy and government policies that have soured travelers from Canada, Mexico and other big feeder countries on the idea of vacationing in the United States.
    Matt Villano, CNN Money, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • About 20% of those infected will develop a fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash.
    Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025
  • By the end of that film, a batch of the infected had made it to France, implying that the virus would soon overtake the European continent and the rest of the world.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Then, a debilitating stroke made speaking almost impossible.
    AudioFile Magazine June 27, Literary Hub, 27 June 2025
  • This creates the disturbing possibility that insurers might use algorithms to withhold care for expensive, long-term or terminal health problems , such as chronic or other debilitating disabilities.
    Jennifer D. Oliva, The Conversation, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • However, failing to disclose such care to the non-custodial parent may still cause relationship strain and mistrust, especially if the child shares information later.
    Sherri Gordon, Parents, 23 June 2025
  • Yet, there was a significant party divide over support for Israeli airstrikes against Iran's nuclear facilities if negotiations failed.
    Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Weaken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weaken. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on weaken

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!