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

On months-long thru-hikes, nutrition becomes a real concern as the body depletes its stores, and a multivitamin cannot replace a balanced diet. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026

In other words, the atmosphere becomes enriched by material from underground, while also becoming depleted in some gases that astronomers would expect to see in greater abundance. — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 13 July 2026

However, environmental groups are concerned that satellite re-entries could release ozone-depleting chemicals, a topic scientists say needs more research. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 9 July 2026

The agency projects that the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance, or OASI, trust fund may be depleted in the fourth quarter of 2032 — three months earlier than projected the previous year. — Lorie Konish, CNBC, 8 July 2026