WEAKENS Synonyms: 134 Similar and Opposite Words

weakens

verb

Definition of weakens next

present tense third-person singular of weaken

as in softens

to diminish the physical strength of weeks of hardship in the desert had greatly weakened them

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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in fades

to lose bodily strength or vigor the bodybuilder weakened once she eased off on her workouts

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in dilutes

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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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 weakens Expanding nonmedical exemptions, however, weakens the very protections those medically vulnerable children depend on. —

Sarah Marsicek, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Apr. 2026 Critics say allowing the department to delay or sideline state investigations weakens one of the last independent checks on government lawyers. —

Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 25 Apr. 2026 Removing more forces from the field only weakens general public safely. —

Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026 The global economy is facing ever more tangible strains from the energy shock triggered by the Iran war as factories grapple with soaring production costs and activity weakens even in services sectors, major surveys showed today. —

Sean Nevin, NBC news, 24 Apr. 2026 After the Justice Department said a post-Watergate records law is unconstitutional, White House lawyers established a new policy that experts say weakens safeguards. —

Maegan Vazquez, Washington Post, 24 Apr. 2026 Abbott contends the policy weakens statewide coordination with federal authorities. —

Doug Myers, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026 Caused by intense emotional events, TTS is a rare, temporary condition that weakens the left ventricle and disrupts its normal pumping function. —

Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2026 The exit of thousands of DOJ lawyers weakens law enforcement for many years to come, former DOJ lawyers told USA TODAY. —

Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for weakens

Verb

There’s an adjustment period — percale can feel crisp at first — but most people acclimate within a week or two and find cotton softens further with every wash, rather than pilling or degrading like synthetics.

— Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 21 Apr. 2026
Many types of seeds benefit from soaking in room temperature water before planting, which softens the outer covering and allows the seed germ to break through easier.

— Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 20 Apr. 2026