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 Instead of using a mirror to gather starlight, MOTHRA has many telephoto lenses, like those on a camera, which can capture faintly glowing wisps of gas and other feeble emanations across a wider field of view. — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 12 Aug. 2026 By an act of war, committed with the participation of a diplomatic representative of the United States and without authority of Congress, the Government of a feeble but friendly and confiding people has been overthrown. — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Aug. 2026 Punk made a feeble comeback attempt, and as Rhodes went for the Disaster Kick, Punk responded with a big boot. — Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 Jacob Fatu and The Usos’ attempts to bring Sikoa back to the family have proven feeble. — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for feeble

Recent Examples of Synonyms for feeble

Adjective

The makeup is top-tier, the Aaliyah swoop bang is swooping, and the jewelry accents stand out without doing too much, which is usually her weak spot.

— Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026
Brennan's maiden win came at the 2025 Bank of Utah Championship in November against an admittedly weaker field.

— Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of weak

Adjective

Special protection Vaccination is especially important for those 65 years and older, young children, pregnant people, people with chronic medical conditions and those with weakened immune systems.

— Annette Regan, The Conversation, 6 Oct. 2026
Leadership turmoil and a weakened state, as seen with the enfeebled late Ming, could well fuse with latent social tensions to produce an existential crisis.

— Carl Minzner, Foreign Affairs, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of weakened

Adjective

As a result, in Lourdes the question of respecting even the most frail, sick and vulnerable is particularly acute.

— Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026
Footage from recent Beach Boys shows, though, had many concerned that Love was reaching Frankie Valli levels of uncanny due to a frail voice and appearance.

— Devon Ivie, Vulture, 23 Sep. 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 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of feeble

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