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

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 Now Trump wanted Hildebrand and two dozen other energy executives to commit to investing $100 billion in Venezuela’s decrepit oil industry. — Alex Cuadros, ProPublica, 16 June 2026 That demand has come back to bite the alliance as one of its wealthiest members struggles to refurbish its decrepit military. — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 7 June 2026 Blaine's decrepit skeleton is lying on top of Sam, confirming that The Boroughs' founder has been eliminated for good. — Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026 This hypochlorous acid spray is pretty much the only remedy—a few spritzes after a flight or during a long travel day revive my decrepit skin. — Abbey Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for decrepit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for decrepit

Adjective

The city earmarked $15 million to transform dilapidated buildings into hubs for new businesses.

— Reg Chapman, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026
But, as Keegan’s impact upon Newcastle — the club and the city — rose, the dilapidated ground changed, too.

— Michael Walker, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of dilapidated

Adjective

The heat has caused a fall in nuclear generation, with power plants forced to shut down or reduce production across the region, while wind power generation has been weak over the summer.

— Jenni Reid, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
The state financial watchdog attributed the disbursement problems to administrative delays, weak project management, and late counterpart funding from the Congolese government.

— Ruben Nyanguila, semafor.com, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of weak

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“Decrepit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decrepit. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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