Synonyms of drain

drain 1 of 2

verb

ˈdrān 

1

as in to pump

to remove (liquid) gradually or completely

we drained the water from the tank before cleaning it

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pump
• siphon
• tap
• suck
• empty
• draw (off)
• bleed
• evacuate
• clean
• flush
• draft
• purge
• milk
• exhaust
• deplete
• void
• clear
• vacate
• vacuate
• decant
• effuse

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• fill
• water
• wash
• soak
• wet
• bathe
• drench
• flood
• overflow
• drown
• douse
• inundate
• swamp
• submerge
• souse
• deluge

2

as in to spend

to make complete use of

virtually drained the country's natural resources

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

3

as in to kill

to use up all the physical energy of

the long hike drained us

Synonyms & Similar Words

• kill
• wear
• exhaust
• tire
• bust
• waste
• burn out
• harass
• weary
• break
• wear out
• wash out
• knock out
• fatigue
• fag
• tucker (out)
• weaken
• outwear
• frazzle
• do in
• sap
• wear to a frazzle
• debilitate
• enfeeble
• enervate
• do up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• strengthen
• activate
• energize
• rest
• rejuvenate
• relax
• invigorate
• vitalize
• unwind

drain

2 of 2

noun

1

as in sluice

Related Words

• sluice
• drainpipe
• gutter
• flume
• duct
• spout
• trough
• conduit
• rainspout
• waterspout
• eaves trough
• aqueduct

2

as in flow

Related Words

• flow
• outflow
• gush
• ebb
• outpouring
• exodus
• reflux
• outpour
• flight
• stampede
• rush
• emigration
• reflow
• diaspora
• emission
• discharge
• emanation
• effluence

Dissimilar Words

• inflow
• flux
• influx
• flood
• overflow
• river
• torrent
• inundation
• stream
• tide
• deluge
• inrush
• spate

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

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

Recent Examples of drain

Verb

Watching Gordon drain jumpers after Wednesday’s practice provided hope that the worst is behind him. —Troy Renck, Denver Post, 5 Mar. 2026

Then the war curdled into a quagmire that destabilized the region, drained American lives and treasure, boosted Iran, and helped fuel a wave of radicalization whose repercussions still ripple through global politics. —Eric Cortellessa, Time, 5 Mar. 2026

Noun

The deep water was apparently caused by a drain just off the highway that had become clogged. —Steven Rosenbaum, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2026

The animal had crawled into a drain pipe during a cold snap and could not turn around to escape. —Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 4 Mar. 2026

Phrases Containing drain

• drain (away)