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
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Recent Examples of depleting
Even depleting small amounts of water can be a problem, said co-author Laura Condon, a University of Arizona hydrologist.
—
Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
Yes, a consolidation of the motion picture studios from five down to four would mean fewer jobs, less choices for moviegoers, higher tickets prices, increased leveraged rental terms on cinemas by studios, potential multiplex closings and depleting ticket sales.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 3 Apr. 2026
Unexpected expenses can crop up, depleting funds more quickly than expected.
—Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026
To date, the parties to the Montreal Protocol have phased out roughly 99% of ozone-depleting substances compared to 1990 levels — effectively eliminating the chemicals once used in nearly every refrigerator, air conditioner, and aerosol can on Earth.
—Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026
Taipei is particularly concerned that as the Middle East conflict drags on, American forces are depleting their stockpile of long-range cruise missiles that would be critical to repel a Chinese assault on Taiwan, the Financial Times reported.
—Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 24 Mar. 2026
More recent research published in The Lancet Global Health found that iron stores begin depleting at ferritin levels around 40-50, meaning a woman can feel genuinely terrible at a ferritin of 20 and still be told everything is fine.
—Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 20 Mar. 2026
The mounting toll has intensified concerns over how to counter drone swarms without depleting interceptor stockpiles that cost millions of dollars each to replace.
—Ashley Carnahan, FOXNews.com, 14 Mar. 2026
Depletion risk The IEA members also risk depleting their stockpiles.
—Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 14 Mar. 2026
Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
Yes, a consolidation of the motion picture studios from five down to four would mean fewer jobs, less choices for moviegoers, higher tickets prices, increased leveraged rental terms on cinemas by studios, potential multiplex closings and depleting ticket sales.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 3 Apr. 2026
Unexpected expenses can crop up, depleting funds more quickly than expected.
—Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026
To date, the parties to the Montreal Protocol have phased out roughly 99% of ozone-depleting substances compared to 1990 levels — effectively eliminating the chemicals once used in nearly every refrigerator, air conditioner, and aerosol can on Earth.
—Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026
Taipei is particularly concerned that as the Middle East conflict drags on, American forces are depleting their stockpile of long-range cruise missiles that would be critical to repel a Chinese assault on Taiwan, the Financial Times reported.
—Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 24 Mar. 2026
More recent research published in The Lancet Global Health found that iron stores begin depleting at ferritin levels around 40-50, meaning a woman can feel genuinely terrible at a ferritin of 20 and still be told everything is fine.
—Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 20 Mar. 2026
The mounting toll has intensified concerns over how to counter drone swarms without depleting interceptor stockpiles that cost millions of dollars each to replace.
—Ashley Carnahan, FOXNews.com, 14 Mar. 2026
Depletion risk The IEA members also risk depleting their stockpiles.
—Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 14 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for depleting
Verb
-
The geopolitical conflict in the Middle East is actively draining the American wallet.—
Katica Roy,
Fortune,
21 Apr. 2026
-
The perfusionist questioned the decision to stop disinfecting the units, saying his concern with draining was that if the tanks weren’t completely dry and still contained moisture, bacteria could form.—
Judy L. Thomas,
Kansas City Star,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The station initially bridged the sudden budget gap last year by reaching out to donors directly and reducing costs to bring down overhead.—
Savannah Sicurella,
AJC.com,
11 Apr. 2026
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The ship suffered substantial damage, and the Reagan administration retaliated by damaging or sinking three Iranian warships and three oil platforms, drastically reducing Tehran’s ability to engage in the gulf.—
Dalia Abdelwahab,
CNN Money,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
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What mattered was the relationship between the people creating the content and the audience consuming it.—
Jonathan Hunt,
Fortune,
11 Apr. 2026
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With the new Iran war consuming international attention and Israel escalating strikes in Lebanon, diplomatic pressure for meaningful progress in Gaza has dramatically weakened.—
Wafaa Shurafa,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Despite being a required vaccine in all states to attend public school, rates have been steadily decreasing over the last decade, CDC data shows.—
Arthur Jones II,
ABC News,
21 Apr. 2026
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Monitoring showed that radionuclides such as cesium spread through coastal waters but became diluted and dispersed over time, with levels in most areas farther out in the ocean decreasing and remaining low and relatively stable after the initial release.—
Eduardo B. Farfán,
The Conversation,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Guro Reiten is sitting inside her apartment in Norway, in between spending time with her 5-month-old son and packing her life away.—
Melanie Anzidei,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2026
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After a backlash, Kennedy has also pivoted to spending more time talking about less controversial topics like healthy eating — albeit with his own spin, including sharing exaggerated claims that various ailments can be cured by diet alone.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In some ways, the Wolfpack were already destined for a reset, with veterans like Tre Holloman, Darrion Williams, Quadir Copeland and Ven-Allen Lubin all exhausting their eligibility.—
Brendan Marks,
New York Times,
15 Apr. 2026
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Instead, America seems to be exhausting itself and its arsenals in the Middle East.—
Andreas Kluth,
Twin Cities,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The chewy grains and tiny legumes provide a sturdy base, absorbing all the flavors of the warm harissa-spiked dressing without going limp.—
Rebecca Firkser,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
23 Apr. 2026
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The plants serve as a physical barrier against dirty air, absorbing chemicals into their cells and collecting particles with their leaves, according to the researchers.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Weeks later, another house in the exact same spot was burning — again in the name of science.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
21 Apr. 2026
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This avoids burning the cups and creates the perfect steamy environment for poaching.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Depleting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/depleting. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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