WEAKENING Synonyms: 183 Similar and Opposite Words

weakening 1 of 3

noun

as in deterioration

a gradual sinking and wasting away of mind or body the all-too-apparent weakening of our grandfather was hard on our mother

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weakening

2 of 3

adjective

as in draining

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weakening

3 of 3

verb

present participle of weaken

as in softening

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

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as in fading

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

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as in diluting

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 weakening

Noun

Rapid weakening, however, is expected after the center of the storm moves inland. — Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026 In an interview with CNBC on the sidelines of the G20 meeting, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington wouldn't object if Tokyo intervened to support a weakening yen. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026 Forecasters said Lala would cross the waters of the marine national monument for a few days at hurricane strength despite some gradual weakening. — ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026 In 2024, the Fed acted decisively to get ahead of a weakening in the labor market, delivering a bold, half-point rate cut. — Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026 Bain said this exodus has mostly been driven by soaring prices and a weakening value proposition. — George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 13 Aug. 2026 In May, Republicans again redrew the map in response to the Supreme Court’s weakening of the federal Voting Rights Act. — Daniel S. Levine, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026 After a dismal two years of weakening demand, falling sales, and damage to its brand by Elon Musk’s political activities, Tesla’s road to recovery continues apace. — Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 22 July 2026 The book argues that democracies erode through the backsliding of democratic ideals like mutual tolerance, along with legal processes like the weakening of independent courts. — Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 21 July 2026

Verb

Throughout this year, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has been weakening the Navy’s leadership by blocking the promotion of nearly 20 admirals. — Andrea N. Goldstein, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026 Wheat futures hit their highest level in more than three years as the war in Ukraine strained supplies, further weakening the global food system. — Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Permafrost — ground that has remained frozen for years — can also thaw, weakening rock faces and slopes. — Sibi Arasu, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 Warmer temperatures may have hastened the collapse that led to Nepal’s deadly flooding, with melting snow able to seep into cracks in the glacier and mountain rocks, weakening them, Shugar said. — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026 Its auto industry has struggled with weakening demand in China, just as Chinese competitors are swallowing up Volkswagen’s lead in Latin America and Africa and even competing in its home turf in the EU. — Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026 As the residential real estate market continues to lose steam, competition is weakening, and cash is no longer necessary to win a deal. — Diana Olick, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026 In general, subjecting your hair to heat over 300 degrees Fahrenheit can cause heat damage in the form of breakage or weakening the hair. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 24 Aug. 2026 Rather than weakening the rule, the authors recommended strengthening it by passing the Roadless Area Conservation Act, which would turn the agency regulations into federal law. — Dan Peck, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for weakening

Noun

The City is aware of deterioration to the pavers surrounding the memorial related to the seawall conditions in this section of the Riverwalk.

— Bri Buckley, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
The deterioration in DeepMind’s talent flows coincided with the lab tightening its publication rules, Hurd said, something that Zeki researchers say may have weakened one of the lab’s most important draws for research-minded staff.

— Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of deterioration

Adjective

This is a good time to organize the list, clarify expectations, or make a routine feel less draining.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Aug. 2026
Speaking of the part of van life spent behind the wheel, Volkswagen has slightly reworked the Grand California's driver-assistance suite to make driving a little less draining.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 July 2026

Definition of draining

Verb

From removing stubborn stains to softening scratchy towels, vinegar consistently tackles the problems that detergents and fabric softeners sometimes leave behind.

— Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2026
Meanwhile, the vitamins, delivered via skin-softening plant oils, help moisturize and firm the skin.

— Jenny Berg, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of softening

Verb

As the conflict grinds on, Trump’s talk of finding a quick end to the war also appears to be fading.

— Aamer Madhani, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026
European banks have shaken off a weak first quarter to notch solid share price gains in the year to date, but Citi analysts warn their momentum may be fading.

— Jenni Reid, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of fading

Verb

State rules direct significantly more sales tax to the unincorporated general fund, diluting the share of property taxes.

— Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026
The next three drivers ranked outside the Chase — Ross Chastain (12th at Richmond), Brad Keselowski (26th) and Erik Jones (27th) — also lost ground, diluting the potential drama of a surprise qualifier.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of diluting

Adjective

That’s a good thing, in the sense that even if a child is infected, the vast majority do not develop debilitating, and potentially fatal, consequences.

— Eli Cahan, Rolling Stone, 21 Aug. 2026
Balancing a new baby and the demands of a job on top of the debilitating effects of postpartum depression and anxiety can drive up absenteeism and undercut job performance.

— Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of debilitating

Verb

If your couch cushions are sagging and the springs are worn, use this 62%-off sofa deal as an excuse to upgrade ahead of hosting season.

— Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Sep. 2026
Well-hydrated skin tends to look plumper and smoother, which makes fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging less noticeable.

— Jenny Berg, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of sagging

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weakened

weakening

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“Weakening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weakening. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of weakening

noun

adjective

verb

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