Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

draw on

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of draw on

1 to be the cause of (a situation, action, or state of mind)

  • the general's imprudent remarks drew on a public rebuke by the secretary of defense
Synonyms of draw on

beget, breed, bring, bring about, bring on, catalyze, cause, create, do, effect, effectuate, engender, generate, induce, invoke, make, occasion, produce, prompt, result (in), spawn, translate (into), work, yield
Words Related to draw on

conduce (to), contribute (to)

decide, determine

begin, establish, father, found, inaugurate, initiate, innovate, institute, introduce, launch, pioneer, set, set up, start

advance, cultivate, develop, encourage, forward, foster, further, nourish, nurture, promote

enact, render, turn out
Phrases Synonymous with draw on

bring forth, give rise to
Near Antonyms of draw on

impede, limit, restrict

clamp down (on), crack down (on), crush, dampen, put down, quash, quell, repress, smother, squash, squelch, stifle, subdue, suppress

arrest, check, control, curb, inhibit, rein (in), restrain, retard

can [slang], kill, snuff (out), still

abolish, demolish, destroy, extinguish, liquidate, quench

2 to come near or nearer

  • night draws on, so we should hurry home
Synonyms of draw on

approach, belly up, close, close in, come up, near, nigh
Words Related to draw on

arrive, attain, come, gain, hit, land, make, reach, show up, turn up, waltz (up)

creep up, sneak up

adjoin, border, touch, verge
Near Antonyms of draw on

clear out, depart, exit, go, leave, light out, pull out, quit, remove, run away, shove (off), take off, walk out
Antonyms of draw on

back (up or away), recede, retire, retreat, withdraw

Learn More about draw on

  1. Dictionary: Definition of draw on

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up draw on? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show comments hide comments

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

zibeline

a soft lustrous wool fabric with mohair

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. synergy Mueller files Cohen details.

  2. slumgullion From the broadcast of 'It Happened on Fifth Avenue'

  3. endgame Marvel's Avengers: Endgame

SEE ALL

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games