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Showing results for weaken. Search instead for weakeni.
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 amendment has outraged environmentalists, who say it will weaken protections for crucial water sources.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

And, when investors’ trust in the published net asset values starts to weaken, it can trigger a feedback loop of redemption requests.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

Barr said the proposals contain a number of material departures from that agreement, and warned the changes could prompt other countries to weaken their own standards in response.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

However, the outlook remains uncertain, with sentiment likely to weaken across many industries amid concerns over Middle East tensions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

Turner felt the horror chill and weaken his legs.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan