1
as in fragile
easily broken
a frail eggshell
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sensitive
easily injured without careful handling
be careful with your grandmother, as she's very frail and a fall would be disastrous
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in weak
lacking bodily strength
he was frail after a long battle with bronchitis
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in weakened
lacking strength of will or character
a frail person, easily swayed by others
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in small
small in degree
a frail hope of success
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 frail
The Hortas were horrified to learn that Tania Hernandez, the owner of the small house where their friend was going hungry, was a social services worker for the state charged with the mission of saving frail, elderly and disabled adults like Rabell.
—
Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2026
The law exempts certain groups, such as caregivers and people who are pregnant, disabled or medically frail.
—Suzanne King, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2026
At the hospital in Dollow, mothers sat shoulder to shoulder on narrow beds holding frail children, some too weak to cry while others let out soft whimpers.
—ABC News, 27 Mar. 2026
For all its public association with queerness, ballet remains largely committed to a frail, wispy femininity and a princely but muscular and explosive masculinity—with the stringent, often punishing body-shape standards to match.
—Chloe Angyal, Time, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for frail
Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2026
The law exempts certain groups, such as caregivers and people who are pregnant, disabled or medically frail.
—Suzanne King, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2026
At the hospital in Dollow, mothers sat shoulder to shoulder on narrow beds holding frail children, some too weak to cry while others let out soft whimpers.
—ABC News, 27 Mar. 2026
For all its public association with queerness, ballet remains largely committed to a frail, wispy femininity and a princely but muscular and explosive masculinity—with the stringent, often punishing body-shape standards to match.
—Chloe Angyal, Time, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for frail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frail
Adjective
-
These conditions have fueled widespread reports of labor exploitation, environmental damage and violent disputes over territory, while mercury contamination from gold extraction has posed serious risks to indigenous communities and fragile ecosystems.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Installations create striking contrasts between fragile glass and living plants, a hallmark of Chihuly’s large-scale outdoor works.—
Ginger Crichton,
Midwest Living,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The ability to acquire land in fee simple is essential and, in many cases, the most effective and expedient way to protect sensitive landscapes, especially in rapidly developing areas.—
Susan Carr,
Sun Sentinel,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Eating large amounts or consuming them on an empty stomach may increase the likelihood of discomfort in sensitive individuals.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Viel made a weak pass that led to the goal but had a strong hit on McDavid in the opening 20 minutes as well.—
Andrew Knoll,
Oc Register,
25 Apr. 2026
-
With the uncertainty caused by the war with Iran, the price of oil going through the roof, and tariffs complicating company supply chains, analysts expected the labor market to get weaker.—
Jim Edwards,
Fortune,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
However, people younger than 5 and older than 65, and those with weakened immune systems, may experience more severe symptoms and require treatment or hospitalization.—
Julia Gomez,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Illnesses may be more severe for young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.—
Addy Bink,
The Hill,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Ceija Stojka’s small paintings at the Drawing Center swarm with such harrowing incident that viewers may not spot the mystery in the bottom right corner of many of her canvases.—
Ben Davis,
The New York Review of Books,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The Pistons are small favorites on the road for Game 3.—
Dan Santaromita,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
While discussing the delicate tone of the show and its balance of being a satire on the Hollywood movie business and a love letter to chasing your dream, Cretton said the creative team focused on character to find their way.—
Borys Kit,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Also on view are selections from the Macchia series, known for bold color combinations and ruffled edges, and the delicate Seaforms, which evoke underwater life through translucent layers of glass.—
Ginger Crichton,
Midwest Living,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
So, in retrospect, [the entire Lightning project] looked pretty feeble.—
Jamie Lincoln Kitman,
Rolling Stone,
24 Apr. 2026
-
His visit also comes as the committee stalls on advancing Casey Means, Kennedy’s nominee for surgeon general, over her lack of medical practice experience and feeble answers on the importance of vaccination.—
Daniel Payne,
STAT,
22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Reaves’ soft-tissue injury usually carries a four-to-six-week recovery process.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
25 Apr. 2026
-
With Minnesota viewing them as soft, the Nuggets hardly seem bothered by the criticism.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Frail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frail. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
