1
as in to soften
to diminish the physical strength of
weeks of hardship in the desert had greatly weakened them
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to fade
to lose bodily strength or vigor
the bodybuilder weakened once she eased off on her workouts
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to dilute
to alter (something) for the worse with the addition of foreign or lower-grade substances
weakened the juice with too much water
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of weaken
Without that foundation, trust erodes, institutions weaken, and instability spreads.
—
Richard Torrenzano, Fortune, 26 May 2026
The divergence between the stock market and weakening consumer sentiment is especially worrisome given that the two measures usually move more in sync.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 15 May 2026
In addition to these external influences, Dini emphasized that long-term domestic instability has left Somalia’s coastline vulnerable, weakening local institutions and lowering the risks for pirate networks.
—Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 15 May 2026
Spreading such rumor to do defame China, destroy Xinjiang's safety and stability, weaken local economy, suppress China's development.
—Vanessa Romo, NPR, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for weaken
Richard Torrenzano, Fortune, 26 May 2026
The divergence between the stock market and weakening consumer sentiment is especially worrisome given that the two measures usually move more in sync.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 15 May 2026
In addition to these external influences, Dini emphasized that long-term domestic instability has left Somalia’s coastline vulnerable, weakening local institutions and lowering the risks for pirate networks.
—Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 15 May 2026
Spreading such rumor to do defame China, destroy Xinjiang's safety and stability, weaken local economy, suppress China's development.
—Vanessa Romo, NPR, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for weaken
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weaken
Verb
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Much of that comes down to the staff, whose warmth and genuine friendliness soften the immaculate service, making the hotel feel truly welcoming.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
27 May 2026
-
Raman has also softened on no-camping zones in the city.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
26 May 2026
Verb
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While desirable homes still sell quickly, frenzied bidding wars have faded.—
Sara B. Hansen,
Denver Post,
29 May 2026
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Deadheading Is Another Form Of Pinching Back Deadheading is similar to pinching back, but it is done once the flowers begin to fade.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
28 May 2026
Verb
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There is an effort to dilute the high-pH water in ditches that was contaminated with the large amount of chemicals that spilled, officials said.—
Phil Helsel,
NBC news,
29 May 2026
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That case argued that Louisiana lawmakers illegally diluted Black voting power by failing to draw a second majority-Black district in a state where Black voters account for roughly one third of the population.—
Sam Gringlas,
NPR,
29 May 2026
Verb
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Star center Nathan MacKinnon was able to play in this game despite getting injured in Game 3.—
Corey Masisak,
Denver Post,
27 May 2026
-
De Zerbi made fringe and injured members of the squad feel included.—
Jay Harris,
New York Times,
27 May 2026
Verb
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Trump’s sagging approval rating comes as Democrats have a chance at outperforming Republicans in midterms, with Emerson’s May poll showing Democrats with a 9-point advantage on the generic congressional ballot, though 9% of voters were undecided.—
Sara Dorn,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
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Stock performance by Salesforce on Thursday, which sagged despite an impressive beat on profits and revenues, is emblematic of the troubles facing software.—
Tobias Burns,
CNBC,
28 May 2026
Verb
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The only way to help those infected is to provide supportive care, health officials say, like giving medicine to support blood pressure, reduce vomiting and diarrhea, and manage fever and pain.—
Mary Whitfill Roeloffs,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
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Early signs can mimic a severe flu, including fevers, chills, a productive cough, and chest or back pain in cases where the lung is infected.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
27 May 2026
Verb
-
Vertigo is common, can be debilitating and often recurs in people who have it.—
Lindsey Bever,
Washington Post,
27 May 2026
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Faye probably calculated that the move, announced late on Friday, could bury his own political career but was worth the risk to break an impasse that has prevented the country plotting a path out of its debilitating debt crisis.—
Alexis Akwagyiram,
semafor.com,
25 May 2026
Verb
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However, the anticipated state finals clash was not to be as Calabasas dropped the baton in the Southern Section finals and failed to advance.—
Steve Galluzzo,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
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It has been cited seven times by the AQMD since 2012 for such things as failing to report breakdowns and failing to maintain a system that measures and records temperatures.—
Jason Henry,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Weaken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weaken. Accessed 30 May. 2026.
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