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as in thin
not containing very much of some important element the coffee came out too weak because I didn't use enough ground beans

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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a weak position
a vulnerable position
a susceptible position
an insecure position
a fragile position
a poor position
a weak economy
a feeble economy
a vulnerable economy
a fragile economy
an unstable economy
a frail economy
weak signals
poor signals
poor-quality signals
unreliable signals
insufficient signals
inadequate signals
a weak solution
an inconsistent solution
an inadequate solution
an ineffectual solution
a faulty solution
a deficient solution
a weak smile
a feeble smile
a pathetic smile
a faint smile
a limp smile
an unconvincing smile

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective weak contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of weak are decrepit, feeble, fragile, frail, and infirm. While all these words mean "not strong enough to endure strain, pressure, or strenuous effort," weak applies to deficiency or inferiority in strength or power of any sort.

felt weak after the surgery

When is it sensible to use decrepit instead of weak?

The synonyms decrepit and weak are sometimes interchangeable, but decrepit implies being worn-out or broken-down from long use or old age.

the dowager's decrepit retainers

In what contexts can feeble take the place of weak?

Although the words feeble and weak have much in common, feeble suggests extreme weakness inviting pity or contempt.

a feeble attempt to walk

When might fragile be a better fit than weak?

While in some cases nearly identical to weak, fragile suggests frailty and brittleness unable to resist rough usage.

a reclusive poet too fragile for the rigors of this world

When is frail a more appropriate choice than weak?

The meanings of frail and weak largely overlap; however, frail implies delicacy and slightness of constitution or structure.

a frail teenager unable to enjoy sports

Where would infirm be a reasonable alternative to weak?

The words infirm and weak are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, infirm suggests instability, unsoundness, and insecurity due to old age or crippling illness.

infirm residents requiring constant care

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of weak The fine print: The report, released last week, also revealed that job growth last year was weaker than had previously been reported. Jessica Boehm, Axios, 20 Mar. 2025 Last year, prosecutors dismissed the murder charge after concluding that the crucial piece of DNA evidence linking Wilson to Daniel's death was weaker than initially thought. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025 Similarly, 5GHz signals were strong in the central areas but became weaker in the garage, the den, and the kitchen area. PCMAG, 11 Mar. 2025 As the market sell-off gains steam, a handful of quality stocks could outperform and buck the broader weak trend for equities, according to Bernstein. Brian Evans, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for weak
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weak
Adjective
  • Staying hydrated helps thin mucus and clear congestion.6 Adults should aim to drink between 9 and 13 cups of fluids daily.
    Rachael Zimlich, BSN, RN, Verywell Health, 26 Mar. 2025
  • The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The words were harsh but the logic was not unreasonable.
    George Caulkin, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025
  • This would not be an unreasonable proposition, considering the U.S. already pledged a security guarantee to Ukraine upon its return of all nuclear warheads to Russia by 1996, based on the Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances.
    Seung-Whan Choi, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Bailey's predicament isn't the first time a dog has found itself in an amusingly helpless situation.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025
  • The Flames’ penalty kill was the NHL’s best in March before Monday (95.5 percent), but the Maple Leafs made the group look helpless with one goal from William Nylander and two by Matthews.
    Nick Ashbourne, The Athletic, 18 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • That relationship is given much more attention than the few mostly feeble and surface-level attempts at explaining teens today, despite what the series’ title might suggest.
    Shannon Keating, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Despite the feeble denials from the rare Republicans who dare face town hall meetings now, their budget outline also necessitates steep cuts in Medicaid, a safety net for 72 million Americans.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Ironically, her swollen face looks plump and round despite her partial buccal fat removal — a procedure that extracts the soft pads of tissue found inside the cheeks to create a slimmer face.
    Leah Dolan, CNN, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Like all On shoes, they’re constructed to have a soft, cloudlike feel, so your feet won’t get sore during your all-day adventure.
    Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Vinegar, which is really dilute acetic acid, will help the milk curdle by further denaturing the whey proteins and neutralizing negative charges at the surface of casein micelles.
    Liz Roth-Johnson, Discover Magazine, 12 Feb. 2013
  • However toxic a substance may be, the amount of exposure received by the general population is very dilute.
    George Johnson, Discover Magazine, 8 July 2013
Adjective
  • But there is plenty of institutional trading interest in digital assets, perhaps in part because for many hedge funds volatility equates to profit making opportunities, even if the trading is irrational.
    Javier Paz, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Amsterdam set up a hotline last month to report concerns about irrational behavior.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Allen survived but was left permanently paralyzed, according to police.
    Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2025
  • According to the release, any savings from ending this type of care will go to supporting paralyzed veterans and amputees.
    Jaden Amos, Axios, 18 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Weak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weak. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

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