1
as in dying
nearly dead
with its run-down look and empty aisles, the grocery store appeared moribund
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2
as in obsolete
having passed its time of use or usefulness
youngsters snickering at the moribund slang their parents were using
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Recent Examples of moribund
That film also examined labor relations in the context of a Chinese auto glass manufacturer that took over a moribund GM plant in Ohio.
—
Matthew Carey, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2026
The Clippers are 35-18 since shortly before Christmas, but still must win one of their final two games to extend this once-moribund franchise’s streak to 15 consecutive winning seasons.
—Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
South Africa is preparing the most sweeping overhaul of its migration laws in three decades in a bid to attract skilled migrants as part of efforts to boost moribund growth in Africa’s biggest economy.
—Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 6 Apr. 2026
In just two years, bouncing back from the moribund final year of Juwan Howard’s tenure – an 8-24 record, a last-place finish in the Big Ten – to become arguably one of the favorites to cut down the nets on Monday in the national title game.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for moribund
Matthew Carey, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2026
The Clippers are 35-18 since shortly before Christmas, but still must win one of their final two games to extend this once-moribund franchise’s streak to 15 consecutive winning seasons.
—Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
South Africa is preparing the most sweeping overhaul of its migration laws in three decades in a bid to attract skilled migrants as part of efforts to boost moribund growth in Africa’s biggest economy.
—Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 6 Apr. 2026
In just two years, bouncing back from the moribund final year of Juwan Howard’s tenure – an 8-24 record, a last-place finish in the Big Ten – to become arguably one of the favorites to cut down the nets on Monday in the national title game.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for moribund
Recent Examples of Synonyms for moribund
Adjective
-
Garden centers aren't giving a refund for a dying or dead plant but rather a discount on a new purchase.—
Lauren David,
Southern Living,
17 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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As horses on the battlefront became obsolete as technology (and tanks) advanced, American polo was left with a serious pipeline problem.—
Elise Taylor,
Vanity Fair,
7 May 2026
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Change a single assumption about how quickly AI chips become obsolete, and cumulative spending swings by hundreds of billions of dollars.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
6 May 2026
Adjective
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Those archaic teams did not have lofty expectations like the ones that featured Simmons.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
30 Apr. 2026
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Doubled down with odd and archaic roster construction.—
Jannelle Moore,
Mercury News,
22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Sitting on a worn wooden chair in the garden on a cool Tuesday afternoon, Chambers, 43, a professional glass and metalsmith, reflected on his antiquated strain of craftsmanship.—
Christopher Buchanan,
Los Angeles Times,
6 May 2026
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My plan also involves the demolition of the antiquated Men’s Central Jail (after a replacement is found).—
Sierra van der Brug,
Daily News,
4 May 2026
Adjective
-
The constellation was known as Al Fakkah to medieval Arabian astronomers, who saw in it a celestial bowl, per the University of Chicago.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
9 May 2026
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Our stroll began outside the medieval gate—only residents can drive through the stone ramparts—and ended with an aperitif on the square.—
Kevin West,
Travel + Leisure,
8 May 2026
Adjective
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The flowers take on pink tones, then become rusty red fruit in fall.—
Erica Browne Grivas,
Midwest Living,
4 May 2026
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Plus, a rusty Reaves is still returning to form.—
Scott Phillips,
New York Times,
4 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Moribund.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/moribund. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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