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Showing results for weaken.
Definitions

weaken

[wee-kuhn] / ˈwi kən /
VERB
reduce the strength of
Synonyms
STRONGEST
abate decline decrease depress dilute diminish dwindle halt impair lessen lower reduce sap soften undermine wane
STRONG
adulterate crumble cut debase debilitate devitalize droop enervate exhaust fade fail faint flag impoverish invalidate languish limp lose minimize mitigate moderate relapse relax temper thin tire totter tremble vitiate wilt
WEAK
break up ease up give way lose spirit slow down thin out water down
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aid assist compliment develop encourage enlarge expand extend grow help increase praise prolong raise rise strengthen
STRONG
achieve activate aggravate agitate animate clean energize enhance excite free improve incite invigorate purify refresh succeed win
WEAK
build up

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.

"As a result, the channels can grow and, in the worst case, weaken the stability of the entire ice shelf."

From Science Daily • May 10, 2026

And Turek has concluded that the dollar will likely continue to weaken in the near future, although he has left room for the possibility that another rebound could begin soon.

From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026

There are now growing concerns within the 32-member Nato alliance that the latest US decision could weaken the organisation.

From BBC • May 3, 2026

“We cannot afford moves that weaken the integrity of our research ecosystem or erode scientific independence,” Jacobs said.

From Salon • May 2, 2026

While it did not incapacitate the president, it did weaken him and, according to his cabinet, made him even more irascible.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela