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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.

It can also weaken statistical results and fails to reveal how languages change over time.

From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026

Rather, recession hawks should keep an eye on compounding jolts that could simultaneously weaken the economy and the labor market, he argues.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 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

However, these same reactions can also weaken enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to future discoloration and other issues.

From Science Daily • Mar. 23, 2026

Perhaps even, like me, filled with an odd warmth that didn’t weaken as he sailed away.

From "Beyond the Bright Sea" by Lauren Wolk

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.