weakened 1 of 2

Definition of weakenednext
1
2
3
4
as in thin
not containing very much of some important element some experts recommend that runners drink a weakened mixture of juice and water

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

weakened

2 of 2

verb

past tense of weaken
1
2
3

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 weakened
Adjective
That would leave a weakened but embittered regime possibly more determined than ever to make a nuclear bomb – and still with the material and much of the knowledge and equipment needed to do so. Matthew Bunn, The Conversation, 17 Mar. 2026 Despite withering airstrikes, officials see a weakened but more hard-line government in Tehran, backed by the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps security forces. Ellen Nakashima, Washington Post, 16 Mar. 2026 Young children, seniors, and those with weakened immune systems are most susceptible to illness. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 16 Mar. 2026 Some parasites are harmless, even for people with weakened immune systems. Sarah Boden, NPR, 16 Mar. 2026 Children under age 5, people over age 65, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for serious illness from raw dairy, according to the CDC. Kaan Ozcan, NBC news, 16 Mar. 2026 Salmonella can cause serious infection in vulnerable groups, including the very young and very old, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 16 Mar. 2026 While most people recover fairly quickly from HMPV, people with weakened immune system or other medical conditions, or who are very young or old, are more likely to suffer serious illness, the Mayo Clinic said. Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 3 Mar. 2026 In some cases, measles can lead to serious complications, particularly in young children, pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems. Aidin Vaziri, San Francisco Chronicle, 27 Feb. 2026
Verb
Israel significantly weakened the organization in military strikes and assassinations throughout late 2024. Asher Kaufman, The Conversation, 20 Mar. 2026 As a result, Democrats in Crespo’s northwest suburban district and Benton’s southwest suburban district are voting for representatives whose ability to make a difference in the Capitol has been significantly weakened due to internal party politics. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026 Hundreds of studies have linked PFAS exposure with serious health problems, including cancers, endocrine disruption, reproductive issues, high cholesterol, weight gain, weakened childhood immunity and low birth weight. Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 17 Mar. 2026 Rising oil prices have pushed up inflation pressures, which in turn has weakened expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts, suggesting that interest rates may remain higher for longer. CNBC, 17 Mar. 2026 When the pelvic floor is weakened or damaged, pelvic organs can drop from their normal positions, causing POP, Shaun Adair, MD, a urogynecologist at Atlantic Health in Morristown, New Jersey, tells SELF. Erica Sweeney, SELF, 16 Mar. 2026 Piedmont Center’s pulse has weakened after going through foreclosure. Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 16 Mar. 2026 While Iran's military is weakened, the regime remains intact and capable of causing global disruption. Brittney Melton, NPR, 16 Mar. 2026 Will they be weakened domestically by entering the war? Sudarsan Raghavan, New Yorker, 12 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weakened
Adjective
  • What can’t be easily seen or measured but can impact recovery as much as a weak muscle or stiff joint are the psychological aspects.
    Ian McMahan, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2026
  • After the worst of it, a similar but weaker storm was forecast to bring more rain through this weekend.
    CBS News, CBS News, 21 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Cook, stirring often, until the onions are softened and the sausage is cooked through, 8-10 minutes.
    Gretchen McKay, Boston Herald, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Moore also admitted that the LAFD’s after-action report on the Palisades fire was softened to shield top brass from scrutiny.
    Paul Pringle, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • What if a slightly delusional but still charming actress faded toward irrelevance, only to claw her way back by way of a reality TV show?
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 18 Mar. 2026
  • As crypto moved from fringe to mainstream to cultural punch line, its promise of revolution faded.
    Clara Molot, Vanity Fair, 17 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Israel's plants mix that water back into the Mediterranean, where it's diluted enough to not endanger aquatic life.
    Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Yes, when diluted and used with a damp cloth, not soaking wet.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • During the Gulf War in 1991, downwind countries experienced similar polluted rain as Kuwait’s oil fields burned.
    Armin Sorooshian, The Conversation, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Some Iranians fear the polluted rain, which also contains heavy metals, could contaminate drinking-water reservoirs and waterways.
    Tammy Webber, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Congress has for the most part registered only feeble and ineffective opposition to such executive action.
    Sarah Burns, The Conversation, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Scratches above the dead body reach upward, marks that read as feeble attempts to cling to some semblance of life.
    Anel Rakhimzhanova, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 17 Mar. 2026
  • Loose Flashings Flashings are thin materials—typically made from metals like aluminum or copper—that are installed at joints and penetrations on roofs and walls including chimneys, valleys, windows, and vents.
    Asia London Palomba, The Spruce, 16 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Only when all reasonable remedies have been exhausted should litigation be considered.
    Awilda Esteras, Miami Herald, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Barely a minute or two ticked away at Galen Center last month,but USC freshman Alijah Arenas already was exhausted.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Weakened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weakened. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on weakened

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!

More from Merriam-Webster