1
as in draining
to make complete use of
miners depleted the vein of copper ore after only a few months
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in reducing
to make smaller in amount, volume, or extent
disease and battlefield casualties had depleted troop strength to dangerously low levels
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of depleting
The capex arms race among the world’s biggest and most profitable companies is depleting the free cash flow that for the past 15 years has been a top reason they were granted stout premium valuations.
—
Michael Santoli, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2026
Although sea lions do appear to be measurably depleting salmon at some sites, including the Bonneville Dam and Willamette Falls, the evidence is shakier elsewhere in the region.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 7 Jan. 2026
However, from the first charging cycle, lithium deposits directly onto the copper, quickly depleting the electrolyte and creating an unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI).
—Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 6 Jan. 2026
New York has also lost a number of relievers, further depleting a bullpen that already needed a lot of work.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 4 Jan. 2026
Specifically flagged by the UNEP are air pollution from launch emissions, spacecraft emissions in the stratosphere, as well as space debris re-entry and the potential to alter Earth's atmospheric chemistry and dynamics with implications for climate change and depleting stratospheric ozone.
—Leonard David, Space.com, 30 Dec. 2025
Now, those inventories are depleting and new orders will be made that reflect higher tariffs on many goods imported into the United States.
—Susan Tompor, USA Today, 16 Dec. 2025
Now, those inventories are depleting and new orders will be made that reflect higher tariffs on many goods imported into the United States.
—Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 10 Dec. 2025
Anuj doesn’t say it outright, but the sentiment of depleting currency hangs in the air, of how any number of items—bills, malls, entire towns—can be devalued at will by social and political forces.
—Hazlitt, 10 Dec. 2025
Michael Santoli, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2026
Although sea lions do appear to be measurably depleting salmon at some sites, including the Bonneville Dam and Willamette Falls, the evidence is shakier elsewhere in the region.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 7 Jan. 2026
However, from the first charging cycle, lithium deposits directly onto the copper, quickly depleting the electrolyte and creating an unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI).
—Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 6 Jan. 2026
New York has also lost a number of relievers, further depleting a bullpen that already needed a lot of work.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 4 Jan. 2026
Specifically flagged by the UNEP are air pollution from launch emissions, spacecraft emissions in the stratosphere, as well as space debris re-entry and the potential to alter Earth's atmospheric chemistry and dynamics with implications for climate change and depleting stratospheric ozone.
—Leonard David, Space.com, 30 Dec. 2025
Now, those inventories are depleting and new orders will be made that reflect higher tariffs on many goods imported into the United States.
—Susan Tompor, USA Today, 16 Dec. 2025
Now, those inventories are depleting and new orders will be made that reflect higher tariffs on many goods imported into the United States.
—Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 10 Dec. 2025
Anuj doesn’t say it outright, but the sentiment of depleting currency hangs in the air, of how any number of items—bills, malls, entire towns—can be devalued at will by social and political forces.
—Hazlitt, 10 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for depleting
Verb
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Indoor poinsettias should be repotted out of poorly draining pots as soon as possible, while outdoor plants should only be transplanted outside when temperatures are above 50°F.—
Lauren Landers,
The Spruce,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Add a base layer of well-draining potting mix to the bottom of the new pot, about a few inches deep.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Once stationary, deactivate all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights are not illuminated, reducing the risk of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Permeable pavers allow rainwater to soak into the ground, reducing flood risk, while offering an upscale look.—
Angelika Pokovba,
Martha Stewart,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Here's what regularly consuming olive oil can do for the body, as explained by dietitians.—
Kirsten Nunez,
Martha Stewart,
10 Jan. 2026
-
For most people, consuming enough protein isn’t an issue, Taub-Dix said.—
Sarah Garone,
Health,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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For women, this meant decreasing intake to about 400 to 600 calories three days per week, while men reduced calories to around 500 to 700.—
Sarah Garone,
Health,
9 Jan. 2026
-
An expensive habit with a decreasing ROI.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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To be sure, the AI boom could deliver that revenue surge—but even slight weakening in spending growth across the industry could hit CoreWeave disproportionately.—
Jeremy Kahn,
Fortune,
8 Nov. 2025
-
For example, financial therapist Aja Evans recommends leaning into self-care activities that cost little to no money, like going outside and spending time with family and friends.—
Gili Malinsky,
CNBC,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Jovanny Hernandez followed stories of immigration throughout the year, including Judge Hannah Dugan’s obstruction charges and Yessenia Ruano’s decision to return to El Salvador after exhausting options in Milwaukee.—
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel,
jsonline.com,
26 Dec. 2025
-
Nancy went out to work in the fields and took a job in a school cafeteria, exhausting herself to hold on to the children.—
Alex Abramovich,
New Yorker,
22 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Plant sterols and stanols block the body from absorbing cholesterol.—
Heather Jones,
Verywell Health,
8 Jan. 2026
-
What has emerged for now is a system that survived by adapting, absorbing pressure, and recalibrating external relationships while preserving its internal foundations.—
Sanam Vakil,
Time,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The prescribed fire has been burning on federal land managed by the United States Forest Service for four days.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The company built a retail and residential complex around the county’s Coconut Grove Metrorail station, and Martin also is pitching an incinerator site in western Miami-Dade as an alternative to the Levine Cava plan to rebuild the trash-burning facility in Doral.—
Douglas Hanks,
Miami Herald,
4 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Depleting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/depleting. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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