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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of drain

Verb

His responsibilities included draining the castle moat and coordinating work at heights of more than 150 feet. —Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 18 June 2026

The pool will remain closed for several days while it is drained, cleaned, and inspected before reopening to the public, according New Canaan Parks and Recreation director John Howe. —Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 17 June 2026

Noun

Regular maintenance, like changing air filters and clearing drain lines, prevents buildup and keeps your AC running smoothly. —Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 15 June 2026

Heavy black residue was observed in the floor drain near the handwashing sink. —Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado june 5, Sacbee.com, 5 June 2026

Phrases Containing drain

• drain (away)