exhaust

Synonym Chooser

How is the word exhaust distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of exhaust are fatigue, jade, tire, and weary. While all these words mean "to make or become unable or unwilling to continue," exhaust implies complete draining of strength by hard exertion.

shoveling snow exhausted him

In what contexts can fatigue take the place of exhaust?

Although the words fatigue and exhaust have much in common, fatigue suggests great lassitude from excessive strain or undue effort.

fatigued by the day's chores

When can jade be used instead of exhaust?

The words jade and exhaust are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, jade suggests the loss of all freshness and eagerness.

appetites jaded by overindulgence

When could tire be used to replace exhaust?

The meanings of tire and exhaust largely overlap; however, tire implies a draining of one's strength or patience.

the long ride tired us out

Where would weary be a reasonable alternative to exhaust?

While in some cases nearly identical to exhaust, weary stresses tiring until one is unable to endure more of the same thing.

wearied of the constant arguing

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 exhaust But over time, Ukraine has exhausted its offensive capabilities, and Russia has gradually pushed Ukrainian forces out of Kursk. Liana Fix, Foreign Affairs, 1 May 2025 While the more seasoned Housewives exhaust themselves trying to manufacture viral moments and beefs, Angela operates like a woman who understands that real influence comes from scarcity, not saturation. Shelby Stewart, Essence, 29 Apr. 2025 Dominate a single platform Many entrepreneurs exhaust themselves trying to maintain presence across every social channel, newsletter platform, and podcast directory. Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025 The gorilla could easily maim several men before being exhausted. Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for exhaust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exhaust
Verb
  • Rather than tiring the players out, the Conference League has given Maresca more opportunity to rotate and give everyone game time, therefore keeping fringe members happier.
    Simon Johnson, New York Times, 2 May 2025
  • Part of that was due to Bergoglio’s age, 76; the cardinals were believed wary of choosing someone who might tire and, like Benedict, throw in the towel after just a few years.
    Henry Chu, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • These clocks will, unfortunately, drain your batteries a little quicker but probably not fast enough to really take notice.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
  • They’re emotionally drained, exhausted by the mental gymnastics that have such a profound effect on their franchise’s direction.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • Cannon wears her children on her sleeve — literally.
    Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2025
  • Some, including Yamal, covered themselves with their hoodies and strategically wore headphones over their ears.
    Pol Ballús, New York Times, 11 May 2025
Verb
  • Combs could spend the rest of his life in prison if convicted.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 14 May 2025
  • Residents of the 8th Congressional District spend an average of 13% of their household income on energy — the highest in the state, according to Department of Commerce data.
    Tom Olsen, Twin Cities, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • After a preliminary investigation, authorities determined the father fatally stabbed his sons and wife before killing himself.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 13 May 2025
  • Navigating Pricing Complexity Pricing complexity can kill B2B growth.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • Arepas are corn pancakes that can be consumed on their own or with an array of garnishes and fixings.
    Cat Sposato, AFAR Media, 15 May 2025
  • The children who consumed the cookies were transported to Christ Hospital and have since been released, according to WFLD.
    Abigail Adams, People.com, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • In busting the thing up to rebuild it, Holmes and Ellis have drained away much of the smart, replacing it with hard nudges to the ribs, tedious hat tips to contemporary sensibilities, and unnecessary lumps of earnest character biography.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Sometimes there is busted packaging, or almost expired, or expired but still edible, products.
    Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • An estimate from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said the proposals would reduce the number of people with health care by at least 7.6 million from the Medicaid changes, and possibly more with other changes to the Affordable Care Act.
    Kevin Freking, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2025
  • In Sacramento, California, the weather service warned its office would have reduced staffing overnight.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Exhaust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exhaust. Accessed 18 May. 2025.

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