DECREPIT Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of decrepit are feeble , fragile , frail , infirm , and weak . While all these words mean "not strong enough to endure strain, pressure, or strenuous effort," decrepit implies being worn-out or broken-down from long use or old age. // the dowager's decrepit retainers

Q: When can 'feeble' be used instead of 'decrepit'?

The meanings of feeble and decrepit largely overlap; however, feeble suggests extreme weakness inviting pity or contempt. // a feeble attempt to walk

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

In some situations, the words fragile and decrepit 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: When might 'frail' be a better fit than 'decrepit'?

While the synonyms frail and decrepit are close in meaning, frail implies delicacy and slightness of constitution or structure. // a frail teenager unable to enjoy sports

Q: When could 'infirm' be used to replace 'decrepit'?

Although the words infirm and decrepit have much in common, infirm suggests instability, unsoundness, and insecurity due to old age or crippling illness. // infirm residents requiring constant care

Q: In what contexts can 'weak' take the place of 'decrepit'?

The words weak and decrepit can be used in similar contexts, but weak applies to deficiency or inferiority in strength or power of any sort. // felt weak after the surgery

decrepit

adjective

Definition of decrepit next

as in dilapidated

old and in bad condition or poor health The decrepit building was badly in need of repair. a decrepit old man

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How does the adjective decrepit contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of decrepit are feeble, fragile, frail, infirm, and weak. While all these words mean "not strong enough to endure strain, pressure, or strenuous effort," decrepit implies being worn-out or broken-down from long use or old age.

the dowager's decrepit retainers

When can feeble be used instead of decrepit?

The meanings of feeble and decrepit largely overlap; however, feeble suggests extreme weakness inviting pity or contempt.

a feeble attempt to walk

When would fragile be a good substitute for decrepit?

In some situations, the words fragile and decrepit 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

When might frail be a better fit than decrepit?

While the synonyms frail and decrepit are close in meaning, frail implies delicacy and slightness of constitution or structure.

a frail teenager unable to enjoy sports

When could infirm be used to replace decrepit?

Although the words infirm and decrepit have much in common, infirm suggests instability, unsoundness, and insecurity due to old age or crippling illness.

infirm residents requiring constant care

In what contexts can weak take the place of decrepit?

The words weak and decrepit can be used in similar contexts, but weak applies to deficiency or inferiority in strength or power of any sort.

felt weak after the surgery

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 decrepit Cunningham’s Fisher-Price pianos and decrepit drums are unmistakable, as is Ciani’s Buchla, which whooshes and rattles like a steam engine barreling down the tracks. —

Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 9 Apr. 2026 Goma is married as a 7-year-old to a decrepit 70-year-old man. —

Jessica Vantine Birkenholtz, The Conversation, 24 Mar. 2026 The island’s decrepit power system uses aging thermal power plants from the former Soviet Union. —

Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026 As if things could not get worse, the burning wreckage from an ill-conceived and failed US rescue attempt was put on full display and the visible proof of America’s declined and decrepit foreign policy was international front-page news. —

Bill Keane, Hartford Courant, 15 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for decrepit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for decrepit

Adjective

An operating license for a dilapidated Boba tea kiosk displays a 2024 expiration date.

— Audrey Pachuta, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026
Zaragoza stationed his men on the high ground, hidden behind cacti, behind walls of dilapidated forts, in ditches.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 May 2026

Definition of dilapidated

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decrements

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decrepitude

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“Decrepit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decrepit. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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Synonyms of decrepit

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