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Showing results for on the ropes.
Definitions

on the ropes

ADJECTIVE
enervated
Synonyms
STRONG
debilitated deteriorated devitalized enfeebled fatigued incapacitated languishing limp paralyzed prostrate prostrated sapped spent tired undermined unnerved vitiated weakened
WEAK
done in feeble gone to seed lackadaisical languid languorous listless out of condition out of gas out of shape run down rusty soft spiritless washed out weak
Antonyms
STRONG
active energized invigorated refreshed straight strong
WEAK
activated animated enthusiastic lively strengthened

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A bizarre opening round saw the heavyweights become tangled on the ropes, continuing to throw punches while ignoring the referee's calls to break.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

Having narrowly beaten the drop last campaign, Hoffenheim had battling Bremen on the ropes from the opening minute.

From Barron's • Jan. 27, 2026

The USC men’s basketball team had its opponent on the ropes midway through the first half, but was unable to deliver the knockout blow Saturday afternoon at Galen Center.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 17, 2026

England had New Zealand on the ropes early on, but rugby's heavyweights rope-a-doped their way to a 12-0 lead with a clinical one-two punch, crossing twice in the space of four minutes.

From BBC • Nov. 15, 2025

When it was standing fully upright on its flat base, the men were ordered to stop pulling on the ropes.

From "The (Mostly) True Story of Cleopatra's Needle" by Dan Gutman