weakly 1 of 2

adjective

ˈwē-klē How to pronounce weakly (audio)
Definition of weaklynext
as in fragile
chronically or repeatedly suffering from poor health a weakly baby who required repeated hospitalizations

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

weakly

2 of 2

adverb

as in feebly

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 weakly
Adverb
Led by Arne Güllich, researchers analyzed the developmental histories of 35,000 world-class adults, including Nobel laureates and Olympians, finding early excellence is weakly linked to adult achievement. — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026 Native traditions have repeatedly been acknowledged in principle – named, counted, formally recognized – but weakly protected in practice. — Kerri J. Malloy, The Conversation, 9 July 2026 Molecular design matters Unlike conventional porous carbon materials that interact weakly with polysulfides, covalent organic frameworks can be engineered with precise pore structures and chemical functionalities. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026 The surface of the bacterial cell contains many chemical structures that can weakly attract and hold onto nanoplastics. — Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 9 June 2026 After a long at-bat, Cholowsky weakly popped out to first base. — Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 29 May 2026 There will be disappointment about Mateta’s goal — Wharton should have been closed down quicker, and Batalla should not have parried the ball so weakly. — Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 27 May 2026 The tree branches are also weakly attached to the trunks and prone to splitting apart during storms and harsh weather events, Zieche said. — Jerry Wu, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026 Eight balloons sway weakly in the wind above a makeshift memorial – eight crosses staked into the damp ground, covered in handwritten messages. — Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 10 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weakly
  1. fragile
  2. feebly
  3. weak
  4. faintly
  5. frail
  6. softly
  7. sickly
  8. gently
Adjective
  • When their ailing mother comes to live with them, old resentments resurface, forcing both women to confront grief, faith, ambition, and the fragile bonds that hold a family together.
    — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The characters aren’t simply vulnerable—they’re contradictory and fragile.
    — Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of fragile
Adverb
  • Chief swam feebly across, joined the other two horses on the bank, and stood there shaking.
    — Dolores Brown, Outdoor Life, 17 June 2026
  • Judge lined it feebly into the glove of an outfielder.
    — Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 17 May 2026
Definition of feebly
Adjective
  • Many African economies are in a much weaker economic position compared to the strong 2015-2016 El Niño, the IIF report said, largely due to higher oil prices, which have driven up transport costs, and a strong US dollar.
    — Paige Bruton, semafor.com, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Too much nitrogen in the spring creates a weak root system that isn’t able to withstand the heat and drought in summer.
    — Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of weak
Adverb
  • The scenery is almost irresistible in fall, when the air is faintly pumpkin-scented and the pace slows.
    — Taryn Shorr-Mckee, Midwest Living, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The soil should be moist, faintly acid smelling, from its infusion of decayed compost.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of faintly
Adjective
  • Though Steinem had recently become more frail physically, her wit and humor remained totally intact.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026
  • In the last decade, Jackson has paid a Miami company more than $35 million to discharge mostly frail patients with nowhere to go into assisted living beds.
    — Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of frail
Adverb
  • In the dry-down, tonka bean tempers the citrus with a creamy, softly gourmand quality that contrasts with the bright opening.
    — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Birds chirp softly from the surrounding fall foliage, seemingly hesitant to disturb the peace.
    — Julia Sayers Gokhale, Midwest Living, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of softly
Adjective
  • Nick Interlandi’s soundscapes swell with the rat-a-tat of machine guns, or zero in on the precise, satisfying crunch of glass cracking under bone, while Oren Soffer’s cinematography runs the gamut from sickly clinical to startlingly sensual.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Seeing her daughter in that state, babbling nonsense and barely able to stand, Letizia had goggled with the watery eyes of a sickly old lady.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of sickly
Adverb
  • The classic profile is gently supportive for back and stomach sleepers, while the contoured option offers enhanced comfort and support for side and back sleepers.
    — V BRAND STORIES, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • As the pancake cooks, gently press the cream towards the cake so it will be absorbed.
    — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of gently

Browse Nearby Words

weaklings
weakly
weak-minded
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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