DEBILITATED Synonyms: 118 Similar and Opposite Words

debilitated 1 of 2

adjective

as in weak

lacking bodily strength the debilitated prisoners could barely stand

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

debilitated

2 of 2

verb

past tense of debilitate

as in weakened

to diminish the physical strength of the heart surgery debilitated the college athlete beyond his worst fears

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 debilitated

Verb

In gratifying the left, the Warren Court debilitated the long tradition of opposing judicial supremacy. — Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 After being shocked with the glove, the officer screamed and dropped to the ground, briefly debilitated for the moment the glove made contact with his skin. — Meg Anderson, NPR, 12 Aug. 2026 In Desert Storm, the short duration of ground operations was made possible by an air campaign that debilitated Iraq’s entire military establishment. — David A. Deptula, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026 Destruction of their livelihoods and more — they are debilitated. — Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 4 May 2026 Israel quickly debilitated Iran’s air defenses and caused significant damage to Iran’s military and nuclear infrastructure. — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026 The war, the latest and most extensive Israel offensive in the Gaza Strip, has greatly debilitated Hamas. — Foreign Correspondent, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2026 Amid an unprecedented cold snap in the Upper Florida Keys, six juvenile green sea turtles were discovered debilitated by frigid waters and are now undergoing intensive care at the Turtle Hospital in Marathon. — Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for debilitated

Adjective

Studies have shown that countries with stronger IP systems tend to be more innovative, while weaker IP systems may stifle innovation.

— Andrei Iancu, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
Are scientists hindered by a weak grasp of the physics driving GRBs?

— Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of weak

Adjective

Then, Washington tight end Decker DeGraaf caught a pass and took off down the sideline, the former Glendora High standout running through two feeble-arm tackles on the way to an inexplicable 42-yard touchdown.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026
Briogeo Destined for Density Serum The Briogeo Destined for Density Serum is a lightweight liquid formula that thickens feeble strands, plumps roots, and rapidly spurs new hair growth.

— Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of feeble

Verb

Lead times for the iPhone 18 Pro have softened in several markets compared with the prior cycle, while the more expensive Pro Max has held up better, according to JPMorgan's tracking.

— MacKenzie Sigalos,Kif Leswing, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
The anthem video features Zankov speaking about tactile and nostalgic references, such as leather softened by a long journey and the feeling of cashmere on the skin, that inspired the collection.

— David Moin, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of softened

Adjective

At a concert this past weekend in Cincinnati, the Beach Boys’ first show since July, apart from a private performance in Dana Point, California, Love appeared somewhat frail, according to a fan video.

— Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026
The curtain then opened to reveal a frail Mike Love seated in a chair at the center of the stage.

— Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of frail

Verb

The person with the least votes after each round is eliminated, with ballots reapportioned or exhausted until the winner clears 50%.

— Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 14 Oct. 2026
In fact, even before the show actually starts, Bob can be exhausted, having been awake since some ridiculous hour.

— Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of exhausted

Adjective

The vehicle caught on fire in front of a local orphanage for disabled children.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026
Singletary has used her own life experiences including raising her kids, helping take care of her disabled brother and planning her estate to help her readers navigate their financial journeys.

— Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of disabled

Browse Nearby Words

debilitate

debilitated

debilitates

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Debilitated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debilitated. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of debilitated

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

jilt

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Can' vs. 'May'

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes