DECREPIT Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'decrepit' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of decrepit are feeble , fragile , frail , infirm , and weak . While all these words mean "not strong enough to endure strain, pressure, or strenuous effort," decrepit implies being worn-out or broken-down from long use or old age. // the dowager's decrepit retainers

Q: When can 'feeble' be used instead of 'decrepit'?

The meanings of feeble and decrepit largely overlap; however, feeble suggests extreme weakness inviting pity or contempt. // a feeble attempt to walk

Q: When would 'fragile' be a good substitute for 'decrepit'?

In some situations, the words fragile and decrepit are roughly equivalent. However, fragile suggests frailty and brittleness unable to resist rough usage. // a reclusive poet too fragile for the rigors of this world

Q: When might 'frail' be a better fit than 'decrepit'?

While the synonyms frail and decrepit are close in meaning, frail implies delicacy and slightness of constitution or structure. // a frail teenager unable to enjoy sports

Q: When could 'infirm' be used to replace 'decrepit'?

Although the words infirm and decrepit have much in common, infirm suggests instability, unsoundness, and insecurity due to old age or crippling illness. // infirm residents requiring constant care

Q: In what contexts can 'weak' take the place of 'decrepit'?

The words weak and decrepit can be used in similar contexts, but weak applies to deficiency or inferiority in strength or power of any sort. // felt weak after the surgery

decrepit

adjective

Definition of decrepit

as in dilapidated

old and in bad condition or poor health The decrepit building was badly in need of repair. a decrepit old man

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How does the adjective decrepit contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of decrepit are feeble, fragile, frail, infirm, and weak. While all these words mean "not strong enough to endure strain, pressure, or strenuous effort," decrepit implies being worn-out or broken-down from long use or old age.

the dowager's decrepit retainers

When can feeble be used instead of decrepit?

The meanings of feeble and decrepit largely overlap; however, feeble suggests extreme weakness inviting pity or contempt.

a feeble attempt to walk

When would fragile be a good substitute for decrepit?

In some situations, the words fragile and decrepit are roughly equivalent. However, fragile suggests frailty and brittleness unable to resist rough usage.

a reclusive poet too fragile for the rigors of this world

When might frail be a better fit than decrepit?

While the synonyms frail and decrepit are close in meaning, frail implies delicacy and slightness of constitution or structure.

a frail teenager unable to enjoy sports

When could infirm be used to replace decrepit?

Although the words infirm and decrepit have much in common, infirm suggests instability, unsoundness, and insecurity due to old age or crippling illness.

infirm residents requiring constant care

In what contexts can weak take the place of decrepit?

The words weak and decrepit can be used in similar contexts, but weak applies to deficiency or inferiority in strength or power of any sort.

felt weak after the surgery

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of decrepit Three of our decrepit elevators were broken during July 4 weekend. — Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026 Since construction at the Eagle Rock site — so nicknamed after a decrepit colonnade — first stalled in 2008, the only thing that accumulated faster than the garbage and graffiti were the epithets from outraged community members. — Ryan Steven Green, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026 Now Trump wanted Hildebrand and two dozen other energy executives to commit to investing $100 billion in Venezuela’s decrepit oil industry. — Alex Cuadros, ProPublica, 16 June 2026 That demand has come back to bite the alliance as one of its wealthiest members struggles to refurbish its decrepit military. — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 7 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for decrepit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for decrepit

Adjective

Protests by high school students angry about dilapidated, understaffed schools have roiled France since mid-September.

— JOHN LEICESTER, Arkansas Online, 15 Oct. 2026
The protests have been building since late September, sparked by complaints of staff shortages and dilapidated schools.

— Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of dilapidated

Adjective

The age-old advice of keeping your passwords secure and being wary of suspicious emails is more important than ever as hackers gain more sophisticated tools and use AI to find more of the internet’s weak points.

— Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026
Analysts expect profits and assets to cover the dividend through weaker timber periods.

— Sebastien Chasse, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of weak

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“Decrepit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decrepit. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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