1
as in to soften
to diminish the physical strength of
weeks of hardship in the desert had greatly weakened them
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
September’s cut was driven by the Fed’s concerns over the labor market, which has shown signs of weakening in recent reports.
—
Bailey Schulz, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025
Foreign powers such as Russia and China, which challenge America and its allies from Europe to the Middle East to Taiwan and the South China Sea, have long been accused of exploiting such divisions through disinformation campaigns that inflame tensions and weaken confidence in American governance.
—Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
That year, Democrats gained complete control of the legislature, weakening the leverage of outgoing Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-VA) for his final two years.
—Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 7 Sep. 2025
But by the 1960s, integration and other social shifts weakened its vitality.
—Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 6 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for weaken
Bailey Schulz, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025
Foreign powers such as Russia and China, which challenge America and its allies from Europe to the Middle East to Taiwan and the South China Sea, have long been accused of exploiting such divisions through disinformation campaigns that inflame tensions and weaken confidence in American governance.
—Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
That year, Democrats gained complete control of the legislature, weakening the leverage of outgoing Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-VA) for his final two years.
—Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 7 Sep. 2025
But by the 1960s, integration and other social shifts weakened its vitality.
—Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 6 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for weaken
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weaken
Verb
-
Cessna said the 6,756-yard course continues to evolve in subtle ways, softening certain parts for higher-handicap golfers, while ratcheting up the challenges elsewhere.—
Greg Mellen,
Oc Register,
19 Sep. 2025
-
Many buyers aren’t likely to immediately face that price tag since carriers typically offer trade-in deals and payment plans to soften the blow.—
Lisa Eadicicco,
CNN Money,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Brenner concluded by reminding those on one end of a fading friendship to consider the nature of relationships over time—and how sometimes, things might just come back around.—
Maria Morava,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 Sep. 2025
-
Union Jacks flap gently in the breeze; a golden slither of evening sun drapes a row of cottages; a red postbox, still bearing the initials of the late Queen, stands outside a village church, bathed in the fading light.—
Rob Picheta,
CNN Money,
20 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Bailouts Government bailouts contribute to monetary debasement via the creation of new money, which dilutes the currency’s value and fuels inflation.—
Alex Pron,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
-
However, this formula is diluted enough to be safe for use.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Most recently, he was badly injured after a high–speed car crash in New Hampshire in August.—
Washington Examiner Staff,
The Washington Examiner,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Two Fort Worth firefighters were injured while battling a two-alarm fire at the house.—
Shambhavi Rimal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The budget negotiations mark the latest step in the city’s financial crisis, which was caused in large part by sagging sales tax revenue and growing expenses.—
Elliott Wenzler,
Denver Post,
19 Sep. 2025
-
Market breadth was soft, the median stock sagging a bit but still in for a decent week.—
Michael Santoli,
CNBC,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
However, once infected, the virus can cause neurological symptoms due to inflammation or damage to the brain or lining of the brain and spinal cord, known as meningitis.—
Peter Aitken,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 Sep. 2025
-
Pediatrician medical groups argue delaying this birth dose until one month of life would leave the opportunity for babies to be missed if they are born to a mother infected with the virus or from a close contact soon after birth.—
Sony Salzman,
ABC News,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
To forgo vaccinations proven to prevent deadly and debilitating diseases is to accept the possibility of these grim outcomes—which parents haven’t had to think about for decades, as mass immunization has invisibly done its job.—
Jamie Ducharme,
The Atlantic,
17 Sep. 2025
-
Fortunately for the 49ers, Purdy's absence wasn't as debilitating to the 49ers' success as many expected.—
Reice Shipley,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
In what was billed as the biggest game in the history of this border feud, Indiana attacked from the first quarter and the Illini failed to respond.—
Scott Dochterman,
New York Times,
21 Sep. 2025
-
Due in part to that battle, Bumgarner failed to pitch at least six innings for the first time in two months.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
20 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Weaken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weaken. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share