weakling 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of weaklingnext
as in weak
lacking strength of will or character argues that in a time of war, the country can't afford to have a weakling president

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

weakling

2 of 2

noun

ˈwē-kliŋ How to pronounce weakling (audio)
1
as in wimp
a person lacking in physical strength he had been a weakling until high school, when he started working out to put on muscle

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in coward
a person without strength of character only a weakling would be willing to lie to save himself from punishment

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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 weakling
Noun
He's seen as a weakling, and he must be culled from the clan. — Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 4 Nov. 2025 Last year, Paramount, which owns CBS Sports, looked like a weakling compared to its competitors. — Alex Sherman,contessa Brewer, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2025 Separating the weakling from the herd only heightened their fear. — Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 25 Sep. 2025 The sign Scorpio isn’t known to be a weakling, nor is Tyrannosaurus. — Lisa Stardust, People.com, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for weakling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weakling
  1. weak
  2. wimp
  3. coward
  4. weakened
  5. wuss
Adjective
  • Many forex brokers respond to weak rankings by publishing more market guides, adding country pages and building links.
    — David Ispiryan, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Slow money growth means weak nominal growth and low inflation, which in turn keeps interest rates and bond yields depressed—and the yen weak.
    — Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of weak
Noun
  • Anthony Hernandez toils in the brutish profession that is a mixed martial arts fighter, no wimps allowed.
    — Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026
  • For the anarchic, nearly surreal nature of the bits that make legendary cinematic daredevils ranging from Buster Keaton to Jackie Chan seem like wimps.
    — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 25 June 2026
Definition of wimp
Noun
  • The mythmaking rebellion of Tekena, first of her name, for the sake of a coward’s love was as recognizable to her descendants as their need to cross borders, both ethnic and geographic, in search of a happiness that wasn’t promised.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Aug. 2026
  • In reality, the refs just do the bidding of the cowards behind the curtain.
    — Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 14 July 2026
Definition of coward
Adjective
  • Salmonella infections can cause diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps and can be particularly severe in young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Doctors say severe cases are seen more often in elderly patients, people with weakened immune systems, and those with liver disease, diabetes and certain chronic illnesses.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of weakened
Noun
  • Supporters of the Republican candidate, state Attorney General Ken Paxton, portray Democrats as wusses, cucks, soy boys who don’t follow sports.
    — Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 5 June 2026
  • Henry is a megalomaniac and a complete wuss.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2026
Definition of wuss

Browse Nearby Words

weakliness
weakling
weaklings
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Cite this Entry

“Weakling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weakling. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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