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drain

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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
Meanwhile, some users may also experience quick battery drain with the new software. PC Magazine, 23 Sep. 2025 The suburb’s alleys create the perfect transmission pathway, with no cross-ventilation, open drains clogged with garbage, and families of six huddled in single rooms. CNN Money, 21 Sep. 2025
Noun
When the pasta is cooked, there’s no need to drain it. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Oct. 2025 Shey Peddy drained a three to bring the score to 101-98, but the Fever’s immense efforts fell short as Young and Wilson sunk six free throws between them in the final 20 seconds to close out the series and advance to the Finals. Frank Nunns O'Connell, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for drain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drain
Verb
  • But then a series of box office misses coupled with a reputation for partying ultimately pumped the breaks on major studio films.
    Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Brake gently as needed - Brake normally if the vehicle has anti-lock brakes and pump brakes gently if in an older vehicle.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • That year, the board hired Pat Gelsinger, an engineer who had spent 30 years at Intel before leaving it for other companies and eventually running VMware.
    Lila MacLellan, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Elordi spent up to 10 hours per session in the makeup chair and worked 18-hour days in full prosthetics.
    Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Tom is torn between loyalty to his dead wife and love for the estranged son who killed her.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2025
  • How many people did Ed Gein kill in real life?
    JR Radcliffe, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Charlie got into the shower, letting the hot water sluice off the rest of the blood on her back and whatever had dried in her hair.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Mauna Lani staff still manage the ponds in the traditional way: Ocean tides bring fish in through a series of wooden sluice gates.
    Samantha Dunn, Oc Register, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The veteran had entered the game with only eight catches for 62 yards this season as Payton continued to tinker with how to best insert him into the flow of the offense.
    Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Tom walks off and calls his daughters to celebrate before immediately going back into the flow.
    Grace Byron, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Fill a cup of your favorite brew, and tap here to learn about the big reaction to Dutch Bros on Finneytown's busy Winton Road.
    Patricia Gallagher Newberry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The 31-year-old rapper and singer has been tapped as the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show performer.
    Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Republicans have opposed public funding for meals consumed by students whose families can afford to pay for the food.
    Clara Hendrickson, Freep.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Odell emphasized that the structure of Studio DRBZ was well suited to the way content is created and consumed in the social media age.
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The evidence that Song was the shooter comes from a green mask the assailant wore from which samples that tested positive for Song’s DNA were taken and from interviews with cooperating sources, FBI Special Agent Clark Wiethorn testified at the hearing.
    Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Oct. 2025
  • In a recent campaign ad, Van Epps wears an Army uniform throughout the entire ad with patches and insignia removed.
    Vivian Jones, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Drain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drain. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on drain

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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