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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.

However, he has yet to issue a statement about the situation and analysts say the death of Defence Minister Sadio Camara could weaken military co-ordination affecting a counter-offensive.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

“Allowing such circumvention would undermine existing tariffs, weaken trade enforcement, and erode policies designed to support domestic manufacturing,” the letter said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

He expects the dollar to weaken, providing a tailwind for U.S.-dollar investors, and he likes valuations in those markets.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

The AI model revealed that particle size does affect how quickly these forces weaken.

From Science Daily • Apr. 23, 2026

But Lucky Pete’s wail did nothing to weaken Flora’s resolve.

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan