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 While Bower is easy on the eyes as Vecna’s human incarnate, Henry Creel, Vecna in full form is a gruesome monster with vascular gray flesh, a decrepit face and piercing eyes — a fitting prince of the Upside Down. —

Andrew McGowan, Variety, 29 Nov. 2025 In 1992, Andrea Prince saved what was by then a decrepit building and overgrown lot and turned it into an enticing bed and breakfast. —

Roger Naylor, AZCentral.com, 14 Nov. 2025 Some years after defeating Ganon, Link and Zelda stumble across an underground tomb where the decrepit corpse of the villain’s human form, Ganondorf (played again by Critical Role’s Matt Mercer), is imprisoned. —

Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 4 Nov. 2025 There were still restaurant-equipment stores, a print shop with no customers, and another shop advertising computer construction that looked decrepit. —

Eddie Huang, Curbed, 28 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for decrepit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for decrepit

Adjective

The project was planned to clear the area of outdated and dilapidated buildings, to attract new businesses and promote economic revitalization.

— Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 27 Jan. 2026
The trip could also see China give the go-ahead for the UK to rebuild its dilapidated embassy in Beijing.

— Brendan Murray, Bloomberg, 27 Jan. 2026

Definition of dilapidated

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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 15 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 14 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of decrepit

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