1
2
3

Synonym Chooser

How is the word weaken distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of weaken are cripple, debilitate, disable, enfeeble, sap, and undermine. While all these words mean "to lose or cause to lose strength or vigor," weaken may imply loss of physical strength, health, soundness, or stability or of quality, intensity, or effective power.

a disease that weakens the body's defenses

When would cripple be a good substitute for weaken?

While in some cases nearly identical to weaken, cripple implies causing a serious loss of functioning power through damaging or removing an essential part or element.

crippled by arthritis

Where would debilitate be a reasonable alternative to weaken?

The words debilitate and weaken can be used in similar contexts, but debilitate suggests a less marked or more temporary impairment of strength or vitality.

the debilitating effects of surgery

When could disable be used to replace weaken?

While the synonyms disable and weaken are close in meaning, disable suggests bringing about impairment or limitation in a physical or mental ability.

disabled by an injury sustained at work

When might enfeeble be a better fit than weaken?

The synonyms enfeeble and weaken are sometimes interchangeable, but enfeeble implies a condition of marked weakness and helplessness.

enfeebled by starvation

How are the words undermine and sap related as synonyms of weaken?

Both undermine and sap suggest a weakening by something working surreptitiously and insidiously.

a poor diet undermines your health
drugs had sapped his ability to think

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 weaken James argued that without safeguards, digital assets could undermine U.S. dollar dominance, weaken national security if individuals anonymously finance criminal operations and fund adversarial regimes, and subject investors to price manipulation in rigged markets. Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 11 Apr. 2025 Iran's air defenses were substantially weakened in missile exchanges last year with Israel. Greg Myre, NPR, 11 Apr. 2025 While the decrease in releases of Hollywood films will have a slight impact on overall global box office for some blockbuster features, industry sources told CNBC that the real economic issue for Hollywood is the currency weakening. Sarah Whitten,lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 11 Apr. 2025 China’s own struggles, including a property crisis and 20% youth unemployment, could weaken its resolve, giving Trump an opening to claim victory without full escalation. Jack Kelly, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for weaken
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weaken
Verb
  • Bookings are already softening from corporate and leisure customers, especially in domestic markets, although according to Delta, premium and international demand remains strong so far.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Add roast and cook until well browned on both sides, 3 to 4 minutes per side; transfer to slow cooker. Reduce heat to medium and add onions to skillet; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and beginning to caramelize, 8 to 10 minutes.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • As the water diluted the stains, the fabric faded to a soft pink.
    Rebecca Ruth Gould, JSTOR Daily, 9 Apr. 2025
  • In the world of fashion, trends emerge and fade quickly, particularly among teenagers.
    Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • To take apple cider vinegar before bed, dilute it in water and drink the mixture 2-3 hours before bed to prevent acid reflux.
    Johna Burdeos, Health, 7 Apr. 2025
  • As the water diluted the stains, the fabric faded to a soft pink.
    Rebecca Ruth Gould, JSTOR Daily, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • With Lewis Hall out injured, Tino Livramento is set to play left-back.
    Gregg Evans, The Athletic, 16 Mar. 2025
  • At least 59 people have died and more than 100 others were injured in a fire at a nightclub.
    Escher Walcott, People.com, 16 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The sagging sales could be due to several factors, including the backlash, but also Tesla’s brand changes in the past few years.
    Miranda Nazzaro, The Hill, 2 Apr. 2025
  • His sagging defense at the top of the key, while chasing to the rim for rebounds undermines switching and spacing.
    Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 22 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Our contact tracing effort reached more than 3 million New Yorkers who had been infected by, or were exposed to, the virus, creating millions of opportunities to break chains of transmission.
    Dr. Mitchell Katz, New York Daily News, 14 Mar. 2025
  • If people take it after they have been infected, the drug can help to reduce the amount of virus the immune system has to manage and can lower the chances of severe disease.
    Alice Park, TIME, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • With medical treatment and lost productivity costs of up to $635 billion annually in the United States, pain is expensive as well as debilitating.
    Jessica DuLong, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2025
  • This same brain circuit might explain the debilitating apathy that millions of people suffering from various chronic diseases experience.
    Adam Kepecs, The Conversation, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Most failed to hit their targets and crashed into the ocean.
    CBS News, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Instead, the bills failed to pass, and Democrat Assemblymember Rick Zbur compared them to Nazi Germany practices.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Weaken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weaken. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on weaken

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!