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.

Overseas, the dollar weakened against the pound, the yen and other currencies.

From The Wall Street Journal

The U.S. dollar weakened against most EM currencies in 2025 as U.S. growth cooled, but the adjustment remained orderly.

From Barron's

The long-awaited jobs report released last Tuesday showed other signs of a weakening jobs picture.

From The Wall Street Journal

Eurozone consumer sentiment unexpectedly weakened in December despite cooling inflation and economic resilience against tariffs, a monthly indicator showed.

From The Wall Street Journal

Subsequent orders weakened federal workers’ labor protections External link, mandated agency reorganization External link plans, and restricted new hires External link to no more than one for every four workers who departed.

From Barron's

weaken

Example Sentences

Related Words