Weak can refer to limited physical strength, poor structural durability, low intensity, or limited effectiveness. Its opposites therefore vary with the thing being described.
Which Meaning of Weak Do You Mean?
For Weak, the 11 options below are arranged by meaning and use. The quick list matches the detailed entries and examples that follow.
- Strong
- Sturdy
- Robust
- Resilient
- Vigorous
- Powerful
- Mighty
- Tough
- Forceful
- Potent
- Durable
Strong
“Strong” refers to having substantial power, strength, or effectiveness. It contrasts with Weak most clearly in that specific sense rather than in every possible use.
Example: For the sense of “Weak” connected with having substantial power, strength, or effectiveness, “Strong” can sit on the other side of the contrast.
Sturdy
“Sturdy” refers to firmly built and resistant to damage. It contrasts with Weak most clearly in that specific sense rather than in every possible use.
Example: An editor could use “Sturdy” to oppose “Weak” in writing concerned with firmly built and resistant to damage.
Robust
“Robust” refers to strong, durable, or able to perform reliably under strain. It contrasts with Weak most clearly in that specific sense rather than in every possible use.
Example: When a sentence needs the reverse of “Weak” in the sense of strong, durable, or able to perform reliably under strain, “Robust” is one option.
Resilient
“Resilient” refers to able to recover or continue functioning after difficulty. It contrasts with Weak most clearly in that specific sense rather than in every possible use.
Example: The term “Resilient” can create a clear contrast with “Weak” when the topic is able to recover or continue functioning after difficulty.
Vigorous
“Vigorous” refers to full of physical or active energy. It contrasts with Weak most clearly in that specific sense rather than in every possible use.
Example: In a passage about full of physical or active energy, “Vigorous” may be a better opposing choice than a looser antonym.
Powerful
“Powerful” refers to having great force, influence, or effect. It contrasts with Weak most clearly in that specific sense rather than in every possible use.
Example: A writer might pair “Powerful” against “Weak” when having great force, influence, or effect is the meaning being reversed.
Mighty
“Mighty” refers to very strong or powerful, often in an elevated style. It contrasts with Weak most clearly in that specific sense rather than in every possible use.
Example: For a sentence built around very strong or powerful, often in an elevated style, “Mighty” can express the counterpoint to “Weak”.
Tough
“Tough” refers to able to withstand strain, hardship, or damage. It contrasts with Weak most clearly in that specific sense rather than in every possible use.
Example: Where the context makes able to withstand strain, hardship, or damage central, “Tough” can serve as a contextual opposite to “Weak”.
Forceful
“Forceful” refers to strong in effect, expression, or delivery. It contrasts with Weak most clearly in that specific sense rather than in every possible use.
Example: The contrast “Forceful” versus “Weak” works most clearly when the sentence concerns strong in effect, expression, or delivery.
Potent
“Potent” refers to highly effective or capable of producing a strong effect. It contrasts with Weak most clearly in that specific sense rather than in every possible use.
Example: If “Weak” is being used to mean highly effective or capable of producing a strong effect, “Potent” can supply a meaningful contrast.
Durable
“Durable” refers to able to withstand wear or repeated use. It contrasts with Weak most clearly in that specific sense rather than in every possible use.
Example: A careful rewrite may choose “Durable” when it needs to push away from “Weak” in the area of able to withstand wear or repeated use.
Choosing the Right Contrast to “Weak”
Strong is the broadest opposite. Sturdy, robust, tough, and durable fit materials or systems; vigorous fits living activity; powerful, potent, and forceful emphasize effect or influence; resilient emphasizes recovery.