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
As progressive Democrats use weariness of war in Iran and skepticism of big money to keep driving voters away from AIPAC, however, other sectors of the party are getting dragged down. David Weigel, semafor.com, 1 June 2026 But the show wouldn’t have worked without Smart, who imbued Deborah with wisdom and weariness, grit and glamour. Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 29 May 2026
Adjective
Springsteen’s voice starts weary, nearly monotone, then slowly lifted by a wall of sound (guitars, organ, sax, drums, glockenspiel, bass, keyboards), culminating in the finest woo-oah‘s known to rock. Debby Wolfinsohn, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026 Perrineau is weary, if not quite as wrecked as the car sticking halfway out of the far wall. Josh Wigler, HollywoodReporter, 6 July 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
  • According to Ferreiro, structured breaks can improve cognitive performance and help reduce the risk of emotional exhaustion.
    Ana Morales, Vogue, 11 July 2026
  • Anger, isolation, and exhaustion are endemic to each tennis era, as much a part of the game as the fuzz on the balls.
    Josh Levin, The Atlantic, 9 July 2026
Noun
  • Like many projects, Ultra Lights began as a way for singer-songwriter John Robinson to stave off pandemic boredom.
    Jeff Yerger, Pitchfork, 9 July 2026
  • For at least a few hours, Doug’s boredom vanished, and Gabriella no longer felt like an activities director on a cruise ship.
    Jason Karlawish, STAT, 8 July 2026
Noun
  • Hydration and fatigue will be factors both teams have to deal with.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 11 July 2026
  • Guard members, clearly distinguished by their military fatigues, have been seen throughout downtown Memphis on patrols and directing traffic during events.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 10 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Weariness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weariness. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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