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

At the time, her attorney said the legal battle had become too emotionally and financially draining and had begun affecting her physical health. — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2026

After the nation’s July 4 celebration, workers began draining and repairing the pool to address the underlying problems. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 31 July 2026

Noun

The talent drain is only expected to intensify as older workers and managers age out of their present roles. — Michael Ashley, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

This team could deliver a surprise franchise transformation, like the Indianapolis Colts had before Daniel Jones suffered his season-ending Achilles injury in December, and Indianapolis’ season began to circle the drain. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 29 July 2026

Phrases Containing drain

• drain (away)