Synonyms of deplete

deplete

verb

di-ˈplēt 

1

as in to drain

to make complete use of

miners depleted the vein of copper ore after only a few months

Synonyms & Similar Words

• drain
• consume
• spend
• exhaust
• reduce
• absorb
• burn
• use
• expend
• eat
• decrease
• devour
• diminish
• empty
• run out of
• use up
• draw down
• play out
• waste
• weaken
• dwindle
• lessen
• undermine
• impoverish
• debilitate
• downsize
• bankrupt
• cripple
• enfeeble
• abate
• sap
• clean (out)
• disable
• squander
• lower
• blow
• dry up
• dissipate
• de-escalate
• guzzle
• lavish
• misspend
• throw away
• run through
• fritter (away)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• increase
• replace
• renew
• augment
• enforce
• enlarge
• strengthen
• reinforce
• restore
• preserve
• save
• rebuild
• revive
• conserve
• repair
• bolster
• fortify

2

as in to reduce

to make smaller in amount, volume, or extent

disease and battlefield casualties had depleted troop strength to dangerously low levels

Synonyms & Similar Words

• reduce
• decrease
• diminish
• lower
• minimize
• lessen
• dwindle
• ease
• abate
• downsize
• dent
• cut
• slash
• drop
• compress
• knock down
• downscale
• shrink
• shorten
• curtail
• constrict
• de-escalate
• pare
• condense
• retrench
• truncate
• cut down
• whittle
• trim
• abridge
• modify
• prune
• cut back
• modulate
• abbreviate
• deflate
• dock
• crop
• contract
• nick
• clip
• qualify
• moderate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• increase
• expand
• augment
• raise
• enlarge
• boost
• amplify
• escalate
• extend
• prolong
• inflate
• swell
• lengthen
• dilate
• supplement
• add (to)
• blow up
• enhance
• elongate
• complement
• aggrandize
• intensify
• distend
• heighten
• protract
• redouble

Synonym Chooser

How is the word deplete distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of deplete are bankrupt, drain, exhaust, and impoverish. While all these words mean "to deprive of something essential to existence or potency," deplete implies a reduction in number or quantity so as to endanger the ability to function.

depleting our natural resources

When is bankrupt a more appropriate choice than deplete?

Although the words bankrupt and deplete have much in common, bankrupt suggests impoverishment to the point of imminent collapse.

war had bankrupted the nation of resources

When is it sensible to use drain instead of deplete?

The synonyms drain and deplete are sometimes interchangeable, but drain implies a gradual withdrawal and ultimate deprivation of what is necessary to an existence.

personal tragedy had drained him of all spirit

When can exhaust be used instead of deplete?

In some situations, the words exhaust and deplete are roughly equivalent. However, exhaust stresses a complete emptying.

her lecture exhausted the subject

In what contexts can impoverish take the place of deplete?

While in some cases nearly identical to deplete, impoverish suggests a deprivation of something essential to richness or productiveness.

impoverished soil

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of deplete

Water scarcity depletes grain, grass, and other plants that cows eat, forcing ranchers to either buy supplemental feed or thin their herds to keep afloat financially. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 2 Nov. 2026

For people on GLP-1s, electrolyte supplements can also be supportive, Efird says, but these medications don’t automatically deplete your stores. — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 2 Nov. 2026

Since taurine doesn't deplete with age, adding more of it to your diet – via sources like seafood, dark meats and seaweed – isn't likely going to counter inflammaging. — New Atlas, 1 Nov. 2026

Helps Calm Inflammation Magnesium plays a role in regulating inflammatory pathways in the body—and because stress can deplete magnesium levels, keeping yours in check may support overall balance. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 29 Oct. 2026