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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
Once the second half commenced, BC High drained the clock for the majority of the third quarter, before putting the pedal to the medal in the final stanza. Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 10 May 2025 Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente, reserving 237 milliliters (1 cup) of pasta water before draining. Francesca Giuliani Hoffman, CNN Money, 9 May 2025
Noun
Now her medical research is down the drain, writes columnist Mark Z. Barabak. Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2025 Corporations were going down the drain in the 1930s. Brian Domitrovic, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for drain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drain
Verb
  • Given how well the American Manhunt series continues to perform — and the fact that each installment runs about three episodes — the platform will absolutely keep pumping them out.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
  • The small crew pumped their fists after the rankings were announced.
    Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • Residents of the 8th Congressional District spend an average of 13% of their household income on energy — the highest in the state, according to Department of Commerce data.
    Tom Olsen, Twin Cities, 14 May 2025
  • Combs could spend the rest of his life in prison if convicted.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • After a preliminary investigation, authorities determined the father fatally stabbed his sons and wife before killing himself.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 13 May 2025
  • The plan to kill Commanders and save the girls, however, was aborted when June and Moira’s undercover mission for the Mayday resistance group led to them killing a Guardian (a Gilead soldier).
    Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 12 May 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
  • Pulmonary Embolism This can cause shortness of breath because a blood clot blocks one or more lung arteries, reducing blood flow and oxygen exchange.
    Emily Brown, Verywell Health, 14 May 2025
  • Transient ischemic stroke is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain that can mimic a stroke, causing symptoms like numbness, weakness, or confusion that can last anywhere from a few minutes to 24 hours.
    Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • That was what Patricio Wise was also trying to tap into as one of seven competitors in the burger battle and fundraiser organized by the American River Parkway Foundation.
    Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 18 May 2025
  • His primary instruction for those trying to tap into their psychic power is to concentrate.
    Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • Arepas are corn pancakes that can be consumed on their own or with an array of garnishes and fixings.
    Cat Sposato, AFAR Media, 15 May 2025
  • The children who consumed the cookies were transported to Christ Hospital and have since been released, according to WFLD.
    Abigail Adams, People.com, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Some, including Yamal, covered themselves with their hoodies and strategically wore headphones over their ears.
    Pol Ballús, New York Times, 11 May 2025
  • Going from wearing costumes to wearing a badge is not your typical path.
    Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 11 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Drain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drain. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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