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Showing results for on the ropes. Search instead for on+the+ropes.
Definitions

on the ropes

ADJECTIVE
enervated
Synonyms
STRONG
debilitated deteriorated devitalized enfeebled fatigued incapacitated languishing limp paralyzed prostrate prostrated sapped spent tired undermined unnerved vitiated weakened
WEAK
done in feeble gone to seed lackadaisical languid languorous listless out of condition out of gas out of shape run down rusty soft spiritless washed out weak
Antonyms
STRONG
active energized invigorated refreshed straight strong
WEAK
activated animated enthusiastic lively strengthened

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 New York Knicks were on the ropes Friday night in a pivotal Game 2 of the NBA Finals.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

The Dodgers had Sandy Alcantara on the ropes most of the afternoon, putting runners on in five of the six innings he pitched.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2026

The attorney general was always on the ropes but thought she was finally on safer footing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

They lacked shape, going left and right without making any progress - like a boxer on the ropes punching for their life but not actually hitting anything.

From BBC • Feb. 15, 2026

Aunt Pooh shouts as she stands on the ropes.

From "On the Come Up" by Angie Thomas

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