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 This hypochlorous acid spray is pretty much the only remedy—a few spritzes after a flight or during a long travel day revive my decrepit skin. —

Abbey Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 May 2026 Calt had a love-hate relationship with decrepit blues genius Skip James and most likely himself. —

The Week Us, TheWeek, 4 May 2026 Trees grew on the roof of the Polissya Hotel, which once housed nuclear scientists; at the Palace of Culture Energetik in the city’s center, frozen rain collected inside of a decrepit swimming pool. —

Lizzie Johnson, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2026 Beyond the decrepit hydro plant, the entire dam's spillway is too small to pass a probable maximum flood and upgrades could cost millions. —

CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for decrepit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for decrepit

Adjective

Sixteen children from the same family who were rescued from a dilapidated home in rural Ohio were living in wretched conditions with human waste all around, confined to just one room over much of the past four years, authorities said Wednesday.

— CBS News, CBS News, 1 July 2026
The parents and grandparents of 16 children found living in a dilapidated house in southern Ohio were arraigned Wednesday on more than a dozen felony child endangerment charges, officials said.

— Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 1 July 2026

Definition of dilapidated

Adjective

Following a year of historically weak hiring in 2025, hiring rebounded this spring.

— Rachel Barber, USA Today, 2 July 2026
In a weak free-agency class, centers Robert Williams III (Portland) and Mark Williams (Phoenix) are already off the market, each reportedly agreeing to return to their current teams.

— Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

Definition of weak

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decrements

decrepit

decrepitude

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“Decrepit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decrepit. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of decrepit

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