Synonyms of drain

drain 1 of 3

verb (1)

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 3

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

drain (away)

3 of 3

verb (2)

as in to decrease

to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually

as the city lost population, its political influence drained away

Synonyms & Similar Words

• decrease
• diminish
• subside
• die (away or down or out)
• decline
• taper off
• fall away
• fall
• ease
• drop (off)
• shrink
• vanish
• moderate
• phase down
• taper
• rachet (down)
• ebb
• ratchet (down)
• fade (away)
• recede
• pall
• remit
• lessen
• lower
• wane
• dwindle
• relent
• let up
• melt (away)
• weaken
• abate
• tail (off)
• evaporate
• slow (down)
• de-escalate
• fritter (away)
• collapse
• compress
• peter (out)
• contract
• give out
• alleviate
• relax
• condense
• cave (in)
• constrict
• slacken
• flag
• sink
• deflate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• increase
• build
• rise
• grow
• expand
• pick up
• accumulate
• mount
• intensify
• enlarge
• swell
• escalate
• soar
• wax
• appear
• show up
• emerge
• mushroom
• blow up
• snowball
• balloon
• burgeon
• lengthen
• elongate
• distend

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

Many younger adults describe the swiping experience as passive, repetitive and emotionally draining — a lot of effort with very little payoff in real chemistry or meaningful matches. —Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 6 May 2026

Well-drained, sandy soil Bee Balm (Monarda) is a vibrant perennial that blooms approximately eight to 10 weeks after planting. —Farima Ferguson, The Spruce, 6 May 2026

Noun

Additionally, the notion that this community is a drain on our resources is completely unfounded. —Linh Tat, Oc Register, 4 May 2026

To reduce this, drain and rinse them, which can lower sodium by up to 40%. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 1 May 2026

Phrases Containing drain

• drain (away)