FRAIL Synonyms: 225 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'frail' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of frail are decrepit , feeble , fragile , infirm , and weak . While all these words mean "not strong enough to endure strain, pressure, or strenuous effort," frail implies delicacy and slightness of constitution or structure. // a frail teenager unable to enjoy sports

Q: When would 'decrepit' be a good substitute for 'frail'?

The words decrepit and frail can be used in similar contexts, but decrepit implies being worn-out or broken-down from long use or old age. // the dowager's decrepit retainers

Q: When could 'feeble' be used to replace 'frail'?

While the synonyms feeble and frail are close in meaning, feeble suggests extreme weakness inviting pity or contempt. // a feeble attempt to walk

Q: When can 'fragile' be used instead of 'frail'?

In some situations, the words fragile and frail are roughly equivalent. However, fragile suggests frailty and brittleness unable to resist rough usage. // a reclusive poet too fragile for the rigors of this world

Q: Where would 'infirm' be a reasonable alternative to 'frail'?

While in some cases nearly identical to frail , infirm suggests instability, unsoundness, and insecurity due to old age or crippling illness. // infirm residents requiring constant care

Q: When is 'weak' a more appropriate choice than 'frail'?

The words weak and frail are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, weak applies to deficiency or inferiority in strength or power of any sort. // felt weak after the surgery

frail

adjective

ˈfrāl

Definition of frail next

as in fragile

easily broken a frail eggshell

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in sensitive

easily injured without careful handling be careful with your grandmother, as she's very frail and a fall would be disastrous

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in weak

lacking bodily strength he was frail after a long battle with bronchitis

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in weakened

lacking strength of will or character a frail person, easily swayed by others

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in small

small in degree a frail hope of success

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective frail contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of frail are decrepit, feeble, fragile, infirm, and weak. While all these words mean "not strong enough to endure strain, pressure, or strenuous effort," frail implies delicacy and slightness of constitution or structure.

a frail teenager unable to enjoy sports

When would decrepit be a good substitute for frail?

The words decrepit and frail can be used in similar contexts, but decrepit implies being worn-out or broken-down from long use or old age.

the dowager's decrepit retainers

When could feeble be used to replace frail?

While the synonyms feeble and frail are close in meaning, feeble suggests extreme weakness inviting pity or contempt.

a feeble attempt to walk

When can fragile be used instead of frail?

In some situations, the words fragile and frail are roughly equivalent. However, fragile suggests frailty and brittleness unable to resist rough usage.

a reclusive poet too fragile for the rigors of this world

Where would infirm be a reasonable alternative to frail?

While in some cases nearly identical to frail, infirm suggests instability, unsoundness, and insecurity due to old age or crippling illness.

infirm residents requiring constant care

When is weak a more appropriate choice than frail?

The words weak and frail are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, weak applies to deficiency or inferiority in strength or power of any sort.

felt weak after the surgery

Examples 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 frail However, listeria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in some people, particularly young children, frail or elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024 Tears rolled down freely as designers, models and longtime friends watched the frail designer escorted on to the ramp after a grand display of his easily recognizable motifs. —

Mayu Saini, WWD, 16 Oct. 2024 The extraordinary shot of a frail, diseased young Don Vito on Ellis Island, looking out on the Statue of Liberty, sets the table for a decades-spanning journey through a country where opportunity is not extended, but seized through violence and dirty dealing. —

Scott Tobias, Vulture, 27 Sep. 2024 At a time when post-menopausal women still are stereotyped as dependent and frail, Kim’s film is a refreshing reality check. —

Julie Hinds, Detroit Free Press, 11 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for frail

Recent Examples of Synonyms for frail

Adjective

Old and new, plastic or fragile, ornaments should always be stored in a container designed specifically for them.

Kaitlin Gates, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Dec. 2024
Quantum systems are prone to errors because qubits are fragile and can be disturbed by even the smallest environmental changes.

Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024