CONSUME Synonyms: 141 Similar and Opposite Words

consume

verb

kən-ˈsüm

Definition of consume

as in to devour

to destroy all trace of massive fires had consumed hundreds of square miles of forest

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to spend

to make complete use of the mining company consumed all of the local mineral resources and then moved on

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to eat

to take in as food hungry enough to consume most of the pie

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 consume The agency said the boys were not wearing seat belts and had alcohol in the car, but refused to release more details to the Miami Herald, including whether either teen had consumed alcohol. — Brittany Wallman, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2026 Tannins are natural organic compounds that are harmless to consume but can turn the water yellow. — Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2026 Experts recommend gradually increasing intake and taking food safety precautions before consuming unconventional parts of produce. — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 30 Oct. 2026 Most of the helicopter was consumed by fire after the crash, so no meaningful data could be gleaned from the majority of the cockpit gauges, according to the report. — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for consume

Recent Examples of Synonyms for consume

Verb

The sometimes-flippant enthusiasm with which people devour people’s real stories of loss can sting, Janus said.

— Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
That money has helped keep the medical bills from devouring the Griffins' emergency savings.

— Stephanie O'Neill, NPR, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of devour

Verb

His campaign spent about $1 million to air two versions of the same ad, lower than the $4 million amount that was previously reported.

— David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 30 Oct. 2026
Compared to Geese, who spent years touring and releasing records before finally striking gold, Heathers has taken the sort of industry fast-track that makes conspiracy theorists start rolling out their corkboards and thumbtacks.

— Sam Goldner, Pitchfork, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of spend

Verb

One accidental move could ruin the attempt, requiring a correction at best, and a possible restart at worst.

— Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
Others have used it to remove oily stains from their toddlers like crayon marks on carpet, and one reviewer says it’s saved many of their clothes from being ruined in a household with unavoidable messes from both kids and pets.

— Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of ruin

Verb

Some alluvial and floodplain soils can drain well and appear quite dry, yet still meet Connecticut’s definition of an inland wetland.

— Dr. Avishesh Neupane, Hartford Courant, 1 Nov. 2026
Fuel that smells sour, appears darker than usual, or shows signs of separation should be drained from the lawn mower and disposed of properly, instead of combined with new fuel.

— Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 31 Oct. 2026

Definition of drain

Verb

Originally designed in 1893 as two side-by-side hotels built by feuding family members, the collective property was demolished in 1929 to make room for the Empire State Building’s construction.

— Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 27 Oct. 2026
Plans to either demolish the structure or preserve it were offered by various community groups.

— Pam DeFiglio, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of demolish

Verb

When all out-of-court options have been exhausted, and the MCA debt threatens the immediate survival of an otherwise viable business, legal reorganization is the final angle of management.

— Nathan Mor, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Like athletes in other pro leagues, NFL players must first exhaust out-of-court arbitration and grievance procedures.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of exhaust

Verb

Through hidden fees and poor service, traditional banks have alienated many customers, while online banking and ATMs have eradicated differences between banks.

— Jeffrey I. Cole, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2026
Burnham has also made pledges about reducing, and even eradicating, homelessness, improving care for the elderly and meeting NATO targets on defense spending.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of eradicate

Browse Nearby Words

consumable

consume

consumed

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Style

“Consume.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consume. Accessed 3 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of consume

verb

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