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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.

Even relatively modest fields tend to weaken superconductivity, while stronger ones usually eliminate it entirely once a critical limit is reached.

From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2026

As these weaken and stiffen over time it can affect walking, talking, eating and breathing.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

The amendment has outraged environmentalists, who say it will weaken protections for crucial water sources.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

—The dollar rose as doubts over a swift end to the Iran war weaken risk sentiment and lift oil prices.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 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