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as in thin
not containing very much of some important element the coffee came out too weak because I didn't use enough ground beans

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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a weak position
a vulnerable position
a susceptible position
an insecure position
a fragile position
a poor position
a weak economy
a feeble economy
a vulnerable economy
a fragile economy
an unstable economy
a frail economy
weak signals
poor signals
poor-quality signals
unreliable signals
insufficient signals
inadequate signals
a weak solution
an inconsistent solution
an inadequate solution
an ineffectual solution
a faulty solution
a deficient solution
a weak smile
a feeble smile
a pathetic smile
a faint smile
a limp smile
an unconvincing smile

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective weak contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of weak are decrepit, feeble, fragile, frail, and infirm. While all these words mean "not strong enough to endure strain, pressure, or strenuous effort," weak applies to deficiency or inferiority in strength or power of any sort.

felt weak after the surgery

When is it sensible to use decrepit instead of weak?

The synonyms decrepit and weak are sometimes interchangeable, but decrepit implies being worn-out or broken-down from long use or old age.

the dowager's decrepit retainers

In what contexts can feeble take the place of weak?

Although the words feeble and weak have much in common, feeble suggests extreme weakness inviting pity or contempt.

a feeble attempt to walk

When might fragile be a better fit than weak?

While in some cases nearly identical to weak, fragile suggests frailty and brittleness unable to resist rough usage.

a reclusive poet too fragile for the rigors of this world

When is frail a more appropriate choice than weak?

The meanings of frail and weak largely overlap; however, frail implies delicacy and slightness of constitution or structure.

a frail teenager unable to enjoy sports

Where would infirm be a reasonable alternative to weak?

The words infirm and weak are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, infirm suggests instability, unsoundness, and insecurity due to old age or crippling illness.

infirm residents requiring constant care

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 weak However, a weaker dollar, resulting from tariffs and other policies, makes that harder for exporters. Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 4 Apr. 2025 Israel might nudge Trump away from negotiations, in favor of attacks that could keep Iran weak and destabilized. Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 3 Apr. 2025 Without this deal, the Cowboys may have had to use significant draft capital to acquire a solid backup quarterback in what is considered a weak quarterback class this year. Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025 Consumer confidence has fallen sharply, restaurants and bars have seen their business decline, and airlines have reported weak bookings. John Cassidy, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for weak
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weak
Adjective
  • The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2025
  • On the county level, local sheriffs, public defenders and judges have testified the law is jamming up courts, straining a thin treatment infrastructure and stranding some people in jail.
    Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The words were harsh but the logic was not unreasonable.
    George Caulkin, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025
  • This would not be an unreasonable proposition, considering the U.S. already pledged a security guarantee to Ukraine upon its return of all nuclear warheads to Russia by 1996, based on the Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances.
    Seung-Whan Choi, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Many parents are left feeling helpless—a common experience among pop-parenting adherents.
    Gail Cornwall, The Atlantic, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider was helpless to stop his former teammate, falling to the ice as Perron beat Detroit goalie Alex Lyon gloveside.
    Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Maresca’s post-match insistence that the Frenchman’s struggles are not down to a lack of effort felt as feeble and unconvincing as the sum of his contribution over 45 listless first-half minutes.
    Liam Twomey, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Back in Washington, some Democratic lawmakers are privately grumbling over what many in their base view as the Democratic leadership’s feeble response to Trump’s agenda.
    Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 18 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Rande, 62, matched his wife's and daughter's soft elegance by wearing a classic black tux with a white collared shirt and back tie.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • The cushioning and padding are excellent, and the soft fabric provides even more comfort.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Vinegar, which is really dilute acetic acid, will help the milk curdle by further denaturing the whey proteins and neutralizing negative charges at the surface of casein micelles.
    Liz Roth-Johnson, Discover Magazine, 12 Feb. 2013
  • However toxic a substance may be, the amount of exposure received by the general population is very dilute.
    George Johnson, Discover Magazine, 8 July 2013
Adjective
  • Added to the chaos is the underlying rudimentary calculation of tariff levels that have produced wildly uneven and irrational effects on trading partners with no readily discernible policy value.
    Jerrold Lundquist, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • The characters are believably upset and irrational for much of the play.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Allen survived but was left permanently paralyzed, according to police.
    Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2025
  • According to the release, any savings from ending this type of care will go to supporting paralyzed veterans and amputees.
    Jaden Amos, Axios, 18 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Weak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weak. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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