1
as in to soften
to diminish the physical strength of
weeks of hardship in the desert had greatly weakened them
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Recent Examples of weaken
Little was spared in financial markets as fear flared about the potentially toxic mix of weakening economic growth and higher inflation that tariffs can create.
—
Arkansas Online, 3 Apr. 2025
Image Wall Street shuddered in response, with early market reaction pointing to a further slide in the stock market and a weakening dollar.
—Natasha Frost, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2025
The furniture retailer weakened about 12% on the back of higher U.S. tariffs on goods from Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines.
—Hakyung Kim, CNBC, 3 Apr. 2025
Altering the Brain The researchers found that diabetes weakens the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC)—a key part of the brain.
—Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for weaken
Arkansas Online, 3 Apr. 2025
Image Wall Street shuddered in response, with early market reaction pointing to a further slide in the stock market and a weakening dollar.
—Natasha Frost, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2025
The furniture retailer weakened about 12% on the back of higher U.S. tariffs on goods from Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines.
—Hakyung Kim, CNBC, 3 Apr. 2025
Altering the Brain The researchers found that diabetes weakens the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC)—a key part of the brain.
—Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for weaken
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weaken
Verb
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Bookings are already softening from corporate and leisure customers, especially in domestic markets, although according to Delta, premium and international demand remains strong so far.—
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
9 Apr. 2025
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Add roast and cook until well browned on both sides, 3 to 4 minutes per side; transfer to slow cooker. Reduce heat to medium and add onions to skillet; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and beginning to caramelize, 8 to 10 minutes.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
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As the water diluted the stains, the fabric faded to a soft pink.—
Rebecca Ruth Gould,
JSTOR Daily,
9 Apr. 2025
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In the world of fashion, trends emerge and fade quickly, particularly among teenagers.—
Renan Botelho,
Footwear News,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
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To take apple cider vinegar before bed, dilute it in water and drink the mixture 2-3 hours before bed to prevent acid reflux.—
Johna Burdeos,
Health,
7 Apr. 2025
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One of the biggest dangers of giving water to an infant is water intoxication, a condition that occurs when too much water dilutes the concentration of sodium in the blood.—
Jake Parks,
Discover Magazine,
5 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Two officers were also taken to the hospital but were not injured, sources said.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Apr. 2025
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At least 31 people were killed, 27 others were injured and some 70 homes were burned before security forces arrived and repelled the gangs, killing at least 23 gunmen, the mission said.—
DÁNICA COTO THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The sagging sales could be due to several factors, including the backlash, but also Tesla’s brand changes in the past few years.—
Miranda Nazzaro,
The Hill,
2 Apr. 2025
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His sagging defense at the top of the key, while chasing to the rim for rebounds undermines switching and spacing.—
Troy Renck,
The Denver Post,
22 Mar. 2025
Verb
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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 1 to 3 of every 1,000 children who become infected with measles will die from respiratory and neurologic complications.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
7 Apr. 2025
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Measles infects the respiratory tract before spreading throughout the body, according to the World Health Organization.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
7 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Declining vaccination rates are leaving communities vulnerable to the spread of debilitating, preventable diseases like measles.—
Sarah Ferguson,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
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In a previous attempt to lose weight, the comedian experienced debilitating side effects while using Ozempic for weight-loss purposes.—
Christina Dugan Ramirez,
FOXNews.com,
1 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Most failed to hit their targets and crashed into the ocean.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2025
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Senate Bill 376 by Sen. Alan Clark, R-Lonsdale, failed to clear the House State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee in a voice vote with audible dissent.—
Josh Snyder,
Arkansas Online,
10 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Weaken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weaken. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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