Find Synonyms

ail Synonyms

Another word for ail

Choosing another word for ail depends on context, so the 13 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 2 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• verb (Context 1)

To trouble, afflict, or cause physical or emotional distress to someone (used chiefly in interrogative or indefinite constructions).

Usage Example

"The physician asked the patient carefully to determine what ailed him."

Strongest
trouble
afflict
Strong
bother
distress
plague
pain
torment

• verb (Context 2)

To suffer from ill health, physical weakness, or ongoing decline.

Usage Example

"Her grandmother had been ailing for several months before moving closer to the family."

Strong
sicken
languish
weaken
falter
deteriorate
Weak
decline

Opposites of ail

The opposite of ail shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

thrive
flourish
heal
recover
cure
comfort
mend
soothe
See all opposites of ail

• Nearby Words

aide
aider
aidman
ail
ailing
ailment
aim

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Ail. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/ail
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