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
So, why would Neanderthals carry a gene that potentially weakens muscle output?
—
Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 18 July 2025
Even Echelon Insights, which has at times offered more favorable numbers for the president, showed his position weakening, with approval falling from -4 to -8 (45–53).
—Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025
Such an unprecedented step could send the financial markets into a tailspin and over time push up interest rates and weaken the U.S. economy.
—Christopher Rugaber, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2025
The first-quarter boom in U.S. trade is weakening, with merchandise trade somewhat atypically declining for the second straight month, according to my analysis of the the most recent U.S. Census Bureau data.
—Ken Roberts, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for weaken
Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 18 July 2025
Even Echelon Insights, which has at times offered more favorable numbers for the president, showed his position weakening, with approval falling from -4 to -8 (45–53).
—Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025
Such an unprecedented step could send the financial markets into a tailspin and over time push up interest rates and weaken the U.S. economy.
—Christopher Rugaber, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2025
The first-quarter boom in U.S. trade is weakening, with merchandise trade somewhat atypically declining for the second straight month, according to my analysis of the the most recent U.S. Census Bureau data.
—Ken Roberts, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for weaken
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weaken
Verb
-
On the campaign trail, the president spent time courting faith leaders throughout the country, often refusing to soften his language in those venues as well.—
Lalee Ibssa,
ABC News,
14 July 2025
-
By then, Trump had softened his tariff stance and the markets had rebounded accordingly.—
Kate Plummer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 July 2025
Verb
-
The celestial trio will remain close to each other throughout the night, with Saturn and Neptune eventually fading from sight in the southern sky when the sun rises on July 16.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
15 July 2025
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The brand recommends avoiding dabbing or blotting after applying the spray, as this can cause the fragrance to break down and fade.—
Jennifer Hussein,
Allure,
15 July 2025
Verb
-
Fill the glass with ice, and repeat with the other glass. 3: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, stir together the Earl Grey simple syrup, lime juice and smoked paprika until thoroughly chilled and diluted, about 15 seconds.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 July 2025
-
Such critics are concerned that our approach might dilute the sense of urgency necessary and undermine public messaging.—
Francesco Rubino,
Time,
9 July 2025
Verb
-
While Trump suffered a wound when one bullet grazed his ear, others were injured and volunteer firefighter Corey Comperatore died as a result of the shooting.—
Jenny Goldsberry,
The Washington Examiner,
13 July 2025
-
In recent weeks, WWE has teased some huge feuds for Gunther, including one with Seth Rollins, who was injured on Saturday, that seems unlikely given Rollins’ other rivalries and the fact that both stars are heels.—
Blake Oestriecher,
Forbes.com,
13 July 2025
Verb
-
Then there’s the reverse extreme: nipple reduction — long, protruding, often sagging nipples that are the consequence of breastfeeding.—
Gary Baum,
HollywoodReporter,
16 June 2025
-
The vinyl rain gutter sagged and melted, its plastic material flapping in the wind like a flag, and the window shattered shortly after, letting the flames enter the interior.—
Jack Flemming,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2025
Verb
-
Swimmer's itch is a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to microscopic parasites that infect some birds and mammals, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.—
Jalen Williams,
Freep.com,
11 July 2025
-
Season 2 of The Last of Us finds Joel (Pedro Pascal) not only fending off humans infected with the Cordyceps virus, but other survivors seeking revenge on Joel for his past actions.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
Verb
-
Dry eye disease can be debilitating, Brocks stresses.—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
21 July 2025
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The virus was debilitating, a friend shared in a Facebook update after Caldwell's eighth round of chemotherapy.—
Cara Lynn Shultz,
People.com,
20 July 2025
Verb
-
As things stand, Díaz could be the latest target Bayern fails to sign this summer.—
Manuel Veth,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
-
Khanna's measure failed on a 5-7 vote in the House Rules Committee, though Republican Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina voted with Democrats.—
Brittany Shepherd,
ABC News,
15 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Weaken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weaken. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.
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