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.

An El Niño develops when winds that typically blow east-to-west weaken or reverse.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

The country's biggest union, Unia, also warned the initiative would weaken labour protections, abolish rules barring discrimination between resident and foreign employees and "open the door wide to wage dumping".

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

More policy support is likely if domestic indicators weaken further, BofA adds.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

Mangroves are among the world's most effective natural carbon stores, but new research suggests their ability to lock away carbon could weaken as sea levels continue to rise.

From Science Daily • Jun. 5, 2026

Turner felt the horror chill and weaken his legs.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

weaken

Example Sentences

Related Words