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drain

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

verb

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Synonyms & Antonyms of drain

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 to remove (liquid) gradually or completely

we drained the water from the tank before cleaning it

Synonyms for drain

Words Related to drain

milk

suck

decant,
effuse

deplete

Near Antonyms for drain

bathe,
douse
(also dowse),
drench,
soak,
souse,
wash,
water,
wet

submerge,
swamp

Antonyms for drain

fill

2 to make complete use of

virtually drained the country's natural resources

Synonyms for drain

Words Related to drain

eat,
use

dry up,
empty

Phrases Synonymous with drain

run out of

Near Antonyms for drain

Antonyms for drain

renew,
replace

3 to use up all the physical energy of

the long hike drained us

Synonyms for drain

Words Related to drain

Phrases Synonymous with drain

wear to a frazzle

Near Antonyms for drain

drain

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms of drain (Entry 2 of 2)

1 as in sluice, flume

Synonyms & Near Synonyms for drain

flume,
sluice

conduit,
duct

aqueduct

2 as in flow

Synonyms & Near Synonyms for drain

flow

rush,
stampede

Antonyms & Near Antonyms for drain

Frequently Asked Questions About drain

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

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