weariness 1 of 3

Definition of wearinessnext
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as in tiring
causing weariness, restlessness, or lack of interest a weary march through a lot of boring facts and figures

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

weary

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word weary distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of weary are exhaust, fatigue, jade, and tire. While all these words mean "to make or become unable or unwilling to continue," weary stresses tiring until one is unable to endure more of the same thing.

wearied of the constant arguing

When is it sensible to use exhaust instead of weary?

The meanings of exhaust and weary largely overlap; however, exhaust implies complete draining of strength by hard exertion.

shoveling snow exhausted him

In what contexts can fatigue take the place of weary?

The synonyms fatigue and weary are sometimes interchangeable, but fatigue suggests great lassitude from excessive strain or undue effort.

fatigued by the day's chores

Where would jade be a reasonable alternative to weary?

While the synonyms jade and weary are close in meaning, jade suggests the loss of all freshness and eagerness.

appetites jaded by overindulgence

When is tire a more appropriate choice than weary?

Although the words tire and weary have much in common, tire implies a draining of one's strength or patience.

the long ride tired us out

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 weariness
Noun
There’s a desperation in his voice, a weariness that evokes bad nights’ sleep and endless doomscrolling, but there’s also a delicacy to his performance, a gentleness that has precedent in his catalog but still feels new. — Stephen M. Deusner, Pitchfork, 17 July 2026 The war-weariness in Sadeq’s words reflects the exhaustion felt throughout Lebanon, but especially among the Shiites who form a third of its 6 million residents. — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2026
Adjective
In war-weary Lebanon, Israeli strikes have intensified in response to Hezbollah drone attacks. — Suzan Haidamous, Washington Post, 8 Sep. 2026 There’s no rest for the weary, with the Texans expected to be one of the AFC’s toughest opponents for anyone unfortunate enough to be on their schedule. — Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 8 Sep. 2026
Verb
Even for those spared personal catastrophe, the broader atmosphere has been wearying; institutions strained, norms eroded, tempers short. — Phillip Halpern, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Jan. 2026 Though their studio albums of the period all reached the top 20, the Dead were wearied by operating their own label, and Grateful Dead Records folded in late 1976. — Chris Morris, Variety, 10 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for weariness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weariness
Noun
  • Someone lying on the floor could be battered by exhaustion or genuinely in need.
    — Anand Giridharadas, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2026
  • According to Ayer, that exhaustion showed up in the movie, as Pitt couldn’t relax or rely on the typical comforts of a film set.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 25 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The level of boredom Pugh brought to Kate making her older client orgasm by squeezing his nipples really sold her approach to the work.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Then, after walking for a couple of blocks, directing withering sneers at the policeman’s reddish face, which was as impassive as that of a stone idol, Gleb cooled down and succumbed to boredom.
    — Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, New Yorker, 27 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The pressure and unpredictability can create widespread employee fatigue.
    — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
  • And Hawaii is enduring hurricane fatigue after Lala, Lowell and Nolo all swiped by the island chain with heavy rain and strong winds.
    — Chris Dolce, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Weariness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weariness. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

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