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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective frail contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of frail are decrepit, feeble, fragile, infirm, and weak. While all these words mean "not strong enough to endure strain, pressure, or strenuous effort," frail implies delicacy and slightness of constitution or structure.

a frail teenager unable to enjoy sports

When would decrepit be a good substitute for frail?

The words decrepit and frail can be used in similar contexts, but decrepit implies being worn-out or broken-down from long use or old age.

the dowager's decrepit retainers

When could feeble be used to replace frail?

While the synonyms feeble and frail are close in meaning, feeble suggests extreme weakness inviting pity or contempt.

a feeble attempt to walk

When can fragile be used instead of frail?

In some situations, the words fragile and frail 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

Where would infirm be a reasonable alternative to frail?

While in some cases nearly identical to frail, infirm suggests instability, unsoundness, and insecurity due to old age or crippling illness.

infirm residents requiring constant care

When is weak a more appropriate choice than frail?

The words weak and frail are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 frail Our frail nature, damaged by our propensity to mess things up, stands in need of grace and salvation. Anna Rowlands, Time, 12 May 2025 Remembering Pope Francis, a leader known for change Pope Francis' death comes just one day after the frail but determined pontiff greeted thousands after Easter Mass in his open-air popemobile. Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025 Nearly 40% of white and more than half of Black family caregivers report spending more than 40 hours a week aiding a frail relative. Howard Gleckman, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025 Duterte, wearing a blue suit and tie and appearing frail, confirmed his identity and age. Reuters, NBC News, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for frail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frail
Adjective
  • As neo-colonial dynamics among the expatriate community unravel, this fragile bond becomes his only refuge from an impending collapse into solitude or barbarism.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 22 May 2025
  • For Testers The focus shifts from maintaining fragile scripts tied to UI elements to ensuring robust, conceptual test coverage.
    Asad Khan, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • Moreover, data tokenization or de-identification allows sensitive information (like PII or health records) to be replaced with non-sensitive surrogates, reducing risk without compromising analytics.
    Shinoy Vengaramkode Bhaskaran, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • Tian also allegedly sent additional sensitive data on U.S. weapons systems.
    Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • The grand jury also criticizes city officials for weak oversight and enforcement of their contract with the Humane Society, which requires the nonprofit to enforce leash laws at 400 city parks and other venues.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2025
  • Thanks to a weak front sliding across Central Florida, Thursday will be a bit cooler than prior days.
    Garfield Hylton, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • To meet rising demand, companies sprang up and began churning out rides – smaller versions for traveling carnivals and larger ones for town squares and amusement parks.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 26 May 2025
  • The second season of HBO's zombie smash ends with battles both big and small, a major death, and a time rewind.
    Sara Netzley, EW.com, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • The floral motifs created a garden of light against the shimmering teal backdrop for a dramatic, yet delicate look.
    Pooja Shah, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Lorenza Rosé, $23 Year after year, the Lorenza team produces a rosé that's both light and delicate while still being chock-full of flavor and personality.
    Seth Eli Barlow, Arkansas Online, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • While Shawna and John were meant to be having a romantic anniversary dinner, Barb showed up unannounced and undermined Jennifer’s already feeble attempts at following the evening routine laid out for the young children.
    Sara Belcher, People.com, 9 May 2025
  • Rather than attempt a feeble defense of himself, Nick attacks June for the same willful ignorance her mother accused her of in Alaska.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 May 2025
Adjective
  • Some reactions might be softer and less pronounced, while others could be obsessive and overwhelming.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
  • Since then, only a few structural modifications and modern changes have been made—wood-burning stoves were replaced by propane heaters, and horses and mules were swapped for llamas (their feet are softer and less damaging to the ground).
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • Veliz turns 22 in September, and the chances of him becoming a success at Spurs feel slim.
    Jay Harris, New York Times, 29 May 2025
  • Don’t let its slim, 5-pound design fool you — this lightweight vacuum is equipped with three suction modes that can tackle floor-to-ceiling messes for up to 65 minutes, according to the brand.
    Clara McMahon, People.com, 29 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Frail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frail. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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