WEAKENS Synonyms: 134 Similar and Opposite Words

weakens

verb

present tense third-person singular of weaken

as in softens

to diminish the physical strength of weeks of hardship in the desert had greatly weakened them

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in fades

to lose bodily strength or vigor the bodybuilder weakened once she eased off on her workouts

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in dilutes

to alter (something) for the worse with the addition of foreign or lower-grade substances weakened the juice with too much water

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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 weakens Siegel noted that measles weakens the immune system and increases the risk of pneumonia, which can stem from measles itself or from a secondary bacterial infection. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Employment has been a mostly resilient area of the economy even as stubborn inflation continues to squeeze businesses and households, while consumer confidence weakens. — ABC News, 26 Aug. 2026 Nike and Dick's Sporting Goods are likely to struggle near term as the footwear market weakens, according to Truist Securities. — Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026 The use of noble language to describe a process that weakens constitutional guardrails only widens the disconnect between words and actions. — Yuripzy Morgan, Baltimore Sun, 20 Aug. 2026 The erosion of those countries’ industrial capacity ultimately weakens their ability to compete with and resist China economically, diplomatically, and militarily. — Bill Cassidy, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2026 The ridge weakens slightly towards the end of the week, and there is just a slim 10% chance of showers by Friday. — Michael Autovino, CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026 Defensiveness extends conversations, weakens credibility and drains emotional energy that could have been directed toward solving problems. — Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026 The argument that such a tax would prevent important economic activity weakens by the day. — Tibor Besedeš, The Conversation, 12 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for weakens

Verb

With no score, the film’s vivid sound design of billowing foliage, creaky doors and floorboards, creates an austere ambience that softens with quiet feeling as the contours of the family’s troubles are gradually filled out.

— Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 24 Aug. 2026
The former works on the surface of the skin and delivers an immediate boost of hydration that instantly plumps fine lines and softens skin texture.

— Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of softens

Verb

As new variants emerge and immunity from prior exposure fades, conditions become more favorable for infection.

— Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2026
Copley agrees with this sentiment, noting that the scent of essential oils fades quicker if a room is too cold, drafty, or large.

— Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of fades

Verb

Unfortunately, using too little paint will leave patchy areas and harsh lines, and using too much paint will promote drips and paint that sags.

— Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 6 July 2026
There is no scrapeable archive of how to grasp a wet cup, unload a box that sags in the middle, fold a towel, or help an older adult out of a chair.

— Robert J. Szczerba, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

Definition of sags

Verb

Like eyes, ears and lungs, a person can live a relatively normal and active life if one organ in the natural set fails.

— Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 28 Aug. 2026
Kick the can If Congress fails to act, payments are expected to be 22% lower, which could be devastating for the millions of seniors who rely on their Social Security benefits to pay for basic necessities.

— Ashley Lopez, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of fails

Verb

Driving Experience The windscreen is brief to say the least, but airflow goes right over your head.

— William Roberson, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
The movie goes big on the ‘80s tropes for laughs, including over-the-top costumes and era-specific references, but the love story at its heart is timeless.

— Kara Nesvig, Parents, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of goes

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weakening

weakens

weakhearted

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

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Synonyms of weakens

verb

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