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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.

The leak follows Feldstein Soto’s efforts to weaken the state’s public records law after the release of many police officer photos and other materials, which she demanded be returned.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

While the average person does not have the power of a federal judge, they do have the agency to make choices in their own daily lives that can weaken or strengthen civil society.

From Salon • Apr. 21, 2026

Varroa mites weaken bees by feeding on their fat body tissue, an essential organ that supports immune function, metabolism, and energy storage.

From Science Daily • Apr. 20, 2026

Investors are wary that private credit stress may weaken the spreads in Affirm’s asset-backed security deals.

From Barron's • Apr. 17, 2026

He does not read novels or plays; he thinks they weaken the mind.

From "The Killer Angels: The Classic Novel of the Civil War" by Michael Shaara