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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 It can be accompanied by diarrhea, and dehydration is a concern, particularly for the very young and for older people who are frail and who have chronic underlying illnesses, such as diabetes. George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024 Throughout the series, II-nam is portrayed as a frail but kind-hearted player who forms a bond with Gi-hun. Jane Lacroix, People.com, 26 Dec. 2024 Costars from her final film Something Wicked recall a frail star who was a shell of herself in those months prior to her untimely death 15 years ago. Rebecca Aizin, People.com, 20 Dec. 2024 Her body, now frail and brittle, is also contorted and rearranged. Whitney Friedlander, Variety, 18 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for frail 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frail
Adjective
  • The Chinese economy slowed in the third quarter of this year, its property market remains in a fragile state and consumer confidence hasn’t quite recovered since the COVID-19 pandemic.
    Sofia Celeste, WWD, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Watch on Deadline The result is a slickly polished slice of mainstream entertainment that portrays the city’s legal system as a precious yet fragile institution.
    James Marsh, Deadline, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • That strategy should specify how the government, in coordination with state and local officials, will respond to incursions of unauthorized and unidentified drones near sensitive locations, like critical infrastructure.
    Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Hackers can use your device to steal sensitive information, impersonate you, target your contacts, or turn the device into a bot.
    Alex Vakulov, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • China’s persistently low consumer inflation indicates that China is struggling with weak domestic demand, stoking fears of deflation.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Its woman-on-the-run story is weak at times, not quite engaging enough to get through the constant death and destruction.
    Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Does this mean that community and small banks will struggle?
    Michael Abbott, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Trump's victory was in fact much smaller than his supporters have mythologized, and some of his promises — like that to pardon the people imprisoned on charges related to the events of Jan. 6, 2021 — are still very unpopular.
    G. Elliott Morris, ABC News, 13 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But even though the tech has made strides, the replicating subtle, delicate, nuanced sensations of touch has remained just out of reach.
    Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 16 Jan. 2025
  • They are known for their delicate appearance, long and thin white stems, and small, button-like caps.
    Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The antihero actioner earned a feeble $4.7 million across Friday and preview screenings from 3,211 locations.
    J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 14 Dec. 2024
  • Those with muscle dysmorphia usually have a belief or preoccupation that their body is weak, feeble, too small, or not muscular enough.
    Sean Mowbray, Discover Magazine, 3 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • In a red carpet arena where stars are often wearing the most outré and head-turning designs that designers have to offer, perhaps Loro seens a niche in the market for softer and more subdued offerings.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Buck stands under the soft glow of Tiffany-style fixtures, his guitar slung casually over his shoulders and his brown cowboy hat casting a shadow over his black denim jacket.
    Maxwell Williams, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Topline The odds are slim that President-elect Donald Trump saves TikTok for U.S. users long term, at least according to the prediction markets which became mainstream during the 2024 election, with millions of dollars on the line betting the popular video app will soon go dark for Americans.
    Derek Saul, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
  • The party controls both chambers of Congress but has a slim majority in the House.
    Brett Samuels, The Hill, 16 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near frail

Cite this Entry

“Frail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frail. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on frail

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