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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word drain distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of drain are bankrupt, deplete, exhaust, and impoverish. While all these words mean "to deprive of something essential to existence or potency," drain implies a gradual withdrawal and ultimate deprivation of what is necessary to an existence.

personal tragedy had drained him of all spirit

When might bankrupt be a better fit than drain?

The synonyms bankrupt and drain are sometimes interchangeable, but bankrupt suggests impoverishment to the point of imminent collapse.

war had bankrupted the nation of resources

When can deplete be used instead of drain?

Although the words deplete and drain have much in common, deplete implies a reduction in number or quantity so as to endanger the ability to function.

depleting our natural resources

When is exhaust a more appropriate choice than drain?

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

her lecture exhausted the subject

When would impoverish be a good substitute for drain?

The words impoverish and drain are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, impoverish suggests a deprivation of something essential to richness or productiveness.

impoverished soil

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 drain
Verb
Treating those chronic conditions already drains hundreds of billions of dollars a year. Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 4 June 2025 Sessions can trigger unexpected memories, body sensations, or emotional waves that leave you drained. Kathleen Ferraro, SELF, 4 June 2025
Noun
Sand can also clog the washer's drain and drain pump, causing water to back up or ruining the pump entirely. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 1 June 2025 The city’s stormwater drains and ditches are often clogged with tree limbs and other vegetative debris, according to residents. Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for drain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drain
Verb
  • The letter urged the court to pump the brakes on the process, citing legal concerns with outdated population data and Voting Rights Act violations.
    Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 May 2025
  • Hernández: Gerrit was just pumping fuel and emotion that inning.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • Summer hosting season means a lot more time spent occupying your outdoor space, and the best patio umbrellas meet the occasion by gently offering respite against the blazing sun.
    Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 6 June 2025
  • After spending close to $300 million to return Trump to the White House, Musk was poised to have a major role in the administration and be in position to push through regulatory changes in ways that benefited his companies.
    Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • The California Department of Justice will investigate a fatal shooting by Los Angeles Police Department officers under a law that empowers the state attorney general to probe police shootings of unarmed people — despite the LAPD saying the man killed Tuesday was holding a gun.
    Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025
  • In a separate development, Israeli strikes across Gaza killed at least 26 people late Tuesday and into Wednesday, according to hospital officials.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • Still, on May 4, India lowered sluice gates at the Baglihar dam, effectively reducing the downstream flow to Pakistan through the Chenab River by up to 90%, according to the Hindustan Times.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 7 May 2025
  • This option returns the pond to its full former glory including sluice gate repair, dredging the full pond area and recreational enhancements to include 5.7 acres of open water and two fishing platforms.
    Erik S. Hanley, Journal Sentinel, 9 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Meanwhile, Russian crude shipments declined by 170,000 barrels per day in May, bringing total flows to a daily average of 3.24 million.
    Katya Soldak, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
  • Understanding how blood flow reduces pain Applying cold to a specific area of soreness narrows the blood vessels, restricting the amount of blood flow.
    Novant Health, Charlotte Observer, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • She’s now tapped St. Louis superstar Sexyy Red for the song’s official remix.
    Matthew Strauss, Pitchfork, 30 May 2025
  • Toby Huss has been tapped to voice the conspiracy-minded Dale Gribble in ‘King of the Hill’s upcoming Season 14 revival.
    James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • Endless arguments could consume tons of precious computing cycles.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
  • Recipes for everything from ceviche mixto with popcorn (!) to flan to sweet plantains are sure to delight, and the book’s chatty, convivial tone is likely to linger in your mind long after the meal has been consumed and the dreaded dinner dishes are done.
    Hayley Maitland, Vogue, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • One Amazon reviewer wore them during a trip to Italy and said their feet felt great after being on them all day in the heat.
    Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 4 June 2025
  • Morgan wore an all black outfit, while his wife adorned a black dress with floral designs.
    Hannah Sacks, People.com, 4 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Drain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drain. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.

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