weakling 1 of 2

Definition of weaklingnext
1
as in wimp
a person lacking in physical strength he had been a weakling until high school, when he started working out to put on muscle

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in coward
a person without strength of character only a weakling would be willing to lie to save himself from punishment

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 weakling
Noun
That spike—and especially the likelihood that after the conflict ends, costs will remain well above the prewar level—is hitting the weaklings far harder than the thriving warriors, especially the two biggest profitmakers, Delta and United. Shawn Tully, Fortune, 17 Apr. 2026 He's seen as a weakling, and he must be culled from the clan. Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 4 Nov. 2025 Last year, Paramount, which owns CBS Sports, looked like a weakling compared to its competitors. Alex Sherman,contessa Brewer, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2025 Separating the weakling from the herd only heightened their fear. Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for weakling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weakling
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
Noun
  • His rage stands as a measure of machismo, as if civility is for wimps.
    Robin Givhan, Vanity Fair, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Anthony Hernandez toils in the brutish profession that is a mixed martial arts fighter, no wimps allowed.
    Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026
Noun
  • But Coyote has hitched his hopes for the mammoth case upon a man who could only be called a coward.
    Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The pundits feasted on her neutrality, most venomously Megyn Kelly, who called her a coward.
    Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Most often, those who do seek medical attention are people who are more susceptible to foodborne illnesses, such as children, older adults, pregnant people and people with weakened immune systems.
    Kimberly Baker, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Most people recover within several days, but infections can become serious for young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.
    Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Supporters of the Republican candidate, state Attorney General Ken Paxton, portray Democrats as wusses, cucks, soy boys who don’t follow sports.
    Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 5 June 2026
  • Henry is a megalomaniac and a complete wuss.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Weakling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weakling. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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