use up

verb

used up; using up; uses up

transitive verb

: to exhaust of strength or useful properties

land that has been used up

Synonyms of use up

• spend
• consume
• drain
• exhaust
• play out
• draw down
• run out of
• reduce
• use
• absorb
• burn

Examples of use up in a Sentence

we used up the last of the flour when we made the waffles

Recent Examples on the Web

The justices typically won't finalize a decision until the losing side has used up the time they're given to ask that a case be reheard. —Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 5 May 2026

This lightly sweet potato salad is a great way to use up leftover ham. —Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 5 May 2026

Prepare Salsa or Salsa Verde Fresh herbs can brighten countless dishes, and one of the easiest ways to use up leftovers is by making a quick homemade salsa or salsa verde, Zielonka says. —Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 1 May 2026

Try to find homes for these items under cabinets, in the pantry, or other places where they can easily be accessed without using up countertop real estate when not in use. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1712, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for use up

• buttercup
• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• buildup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup
• lineup
• lockup
• makeup

Kids Definition

use up

verb

: to make complete use of : exhaust

used up all the supplies