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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 United Airlines weakened more than 2% while Delta Air Lines and American Airlines each declined more than 3%. Christina Cheddar Berk, CNBC, 13 June 2025 But with these de-escalations occurring, rates are likely to go on a downward slope if demand for carrier space weakens. Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 12 June 2025 Related article The world’s second-largest gold storage suddenly has very long lines to withdraw bars As bonds have been volatile and the dollar has weakened amid tariff turmoil, weird investments like silver and platinum have emerged as a way to hedge against the tremendous uncertainty. John Towfighi, CNN Money, 12 June 2025 Following the Opera War, the old guard is weakened. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for weaken
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weaken
Verb
  • The experience of caring for another living creature has been found to soften inmates’ anger, allowing some to experience warmth and affection for the first time in their lives.
    John Blake, CNN Money, 8 June 2025
  • In European competition, Postecoglou softened his principles and played functional football.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • Despite the metaverse hype having faded, Infinite Reality shows that investor belief in immersive environments remains, especially when linked to creator infrastructure or enterprise applications. 4.
    Elena Volotovskaya, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • When McBride isn’t answering the director’s questions and when Joynt is able to fade into the background, the documentary, which asserts little visual style other than fly-on-the-wall presence, is able to witness moments that showcase the unguarded McBride.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2025
Verb
  • The process starts with extracting CBD from the plant, which is then diluted with coconut oil or hemp seed.
    Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 June 2025
  • Similarly, the 34-game Major League Soccer schedule, plus numerous other matches played by many MLS standouts during the season, can dilute the quality of play by asking too much of players.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • Miguel Tapia Velázquez was critically injured in a shooting early Saturday morning in Fort Worth, according to police.
    Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 June 2025
  • Since the moment Ben got injured in 2019, our chances of being a true Super Bowl contender have been low.
    Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • The different firmness levels ensure that the mattress will never sag, regardless of the sleeper’s body type.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 13 June 2025
  • Revising the menu and starting to bake some pastries fresh in store is all a part of the CEO’s plan to expand into the wellness sector and reverse sagging sales.
    Morgan Severson, CNN Money, 11 June 2025
Verb
  • Diabolical medical experiments were carried out without anesthesia, deliberately infecting victims with diseases, subjecting them to freezing temperatures, disfiguring operations and worse.
    Boston Herald editorial staff, Boston Herald, 15 June 2025
  • Just as all life forms need water to thrive, so do the fungi, viruses and bacteria lying in wait to infect plants.
    Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 13 June 2025
Verb
  • But this invasive mosquito species is quite efficient at transmitting a variety of debilitating diseases to humans, such as dengue, chikugunya, Zika virus, and malaria, just to name a few.
    GrrlScientist, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • The Trump administration has expressed interest in exploring psychedelics for their potential in treating PTSD and other debilitating mental health issues, various officials have shared.
    Ashley J. DiMella, FOXNews.com, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • La Perla has failed to relaunch in recent years and after German businessman Lars Windhorst’s private equity firm Tennor, then known as Sapinda, took over the company in 2018.
    Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 10 June 2025
  • Leaders would be wise to not make overly risky decisions that will fail during an inevitable pull back in btc price.
    Alexander S. Blume, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Weaken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weaken. Accessed 22 Jun. 2025.

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