FEEBLE Synonyms: 99 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of feeble are decrepit , fragile , frail , infirm , and weak . While all these words mean "not strong enough to endure strain, pressure, or strenuous effort," feeble suggests extreme weakness inviting pity or contempt. // a feeble attempt to walk

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

While the synonyms decrepit and feeble are close in meaning, decrepit implies being worn-out or broken-down from long use or old age. // the dowager's decrepit retainers

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

The words fragile and feeble are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fragile suggests frailty and brittleness unable to resist rough usage. // a reclusive poet too fragile for the rigors of this world

Q: When is it sensible to use 'frail' instead of 'feeble'?

While in some cases nearly identical to feeble , frail implies delicacy and slightness of constitution or structure. // a frail teenager unable to enjoy sports

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

Although the words infirm and feeble 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 'feeble'?

The synonyms weak and feeble are sometimes interchangeable, but weak applies to deficiency or inferiority in strength or power of any sort. // felt weak after the surgery

feeble

adjective

ˈfē-bəl

Definition of feeble

as in weak

lacking bodily strength feeble members of the congregation are not expected to stand or kneel during services

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How does the adjective feeble contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of feeble are decrepit, fragile, frail, infirm, and weak. While all these words mean "not strong enough to endure strain, pressure, or strenuous effort," feeble suggests extreme weakness inviting pity or contempt.

a feeble attempt to walk

When might decrepit be a better fit than feeble?

While the synonyms decrepit and feeble are close in meaning, decrepit implies being worn-out or broken-down from long use or old age.

the dowager's decrepit retainers

When would fragile be a good substitute for feeble?

The words fragile and feeble are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fragile suggests frailty and brittleness unable to resist rough usage.

a reclusive poet too fragile for the rigors of this world

When is it sensible to use frail instead of feeble?

While in some cases nearly identical to feeble, frail implies delicacy and slightness of constitution or structure.

a frail teenager unable to enjoy sports

When can infirm be used instead of feeble?

Although the words infirm and feeble 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 feeble?

The synonyms weak and feeble are sometimes interchangeable, 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 feeble Jolted by a feeble office market, a growing number of developers are considering ways to convert their office properties to other uses, such as housing projects. — George Avalos, Mercury News, 17 June 2026 The Rock People were a feeble attempt to cash in on the shapeshifting craze, as Stonedar, Rokkon, and Granita (the latter never immortalized as an action figure) could turn themselves into… er, meteors. — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 4 June 2026 Without getting into spoilers, her one-and-done appearance in Episode 5 presents the perfect opportunity for the more-than-capable Meester to match wits with Bell’s judgmental Joanna, only to strand the actor with boring, obvious jokes and saddle her with a feeble resolution. — Hugh Hart, IndieWire, 23 May 2026 Enervated cuteness and tryhard sincerity define a whole new wave of musicians, from Pittsburgh rockers feeble little horse to cringe-pop upcycler Worldpeace DMT to SoundCloud producer MASSI, whose songs spill with the tiny adorable detail of a toy train set. — Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for feeble

Recent Examples of Synonyms for feeble

Adjective

Following a year of historically weak hiring in 2025, hiring rebounded this spring.

— Rachel Barber, USA Today, 2 July 2026
In a weak free-agency class, centers Robert Williams III (Portland) and Mark Williams (Phoenix) are already off the market, each reportedly agreeing to return to their current teams.

— Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

Definition of weak

Adjective

The bacterium can also lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious complication that is more common in young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems, according to the release.

— Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026
While anyone can get sick, young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to become seriously ill.

— Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 July 2026

Definition of weakened

Adjective

The law had said medically frail people include those who have substance use disorders, disabilities or serious medical conditions.

— ABC News, ABC News, 29 June 2026
Roosevelt credits that experience with transforming him from a frail, nearsighted youth into a rugged individual who years later would become the 26th president and a pioneering conservationist.

— Joe Yogerst, CNN Money, 26 June 2026

Definition of frail

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fee

feeble

feebleminded

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“Feeble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/feeble. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of feeble

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