draw on

verb

Definition of draw onnext
1
as in to cause
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 & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to come
to come near or nearer night draws on, so we should hurry home

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of draw on Creating natural-looking angles, subtle irregularities and gradual changes in density may draw on hands-on experience and observing how previous transplants grow. — Kaitlyn Gomez, Sacbee.com, 30 Oct. 2026 For the work, Harvey drew on ancient jewelry in the Met collection from Greece, India, and China, and then spent time in the Manufacture learning guillochage, a technique for engraving intricate patterns like leaves and flowers onto metal. — Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 30 Oct. 2026 In 2018, Mao began working with the Palace Museum, drawing on traditional Chinese imagery and motifs for annual collections. — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2026 There’s also a vast, vibrant sea, windswept volcanic plains, and a food culture that draws on the island’s rich heritage and maritime setting. — Mark Johanson, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for draw on
Recent Examples of Synonyms for draw on
  1. cause
  2. come
  3. create
  4. come up
  5. bring
  6. approach
  7. generate
  8. close
Verb
  • The agency analyzed the genetic sequence of the virus from the person who died in Washington and found no changes that would make the virus spread more easily or cause more severe illness, a CDC spokesperson said.
    — Mike Stobbe, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Over that period, the Maillard reaction causes sugars and amino acids to react under heat, which gradually turns the cloves dark.
    — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of cause
Verb
  • Food trend experts are betting the coming year will bring it even closer to your stovetop.
    — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 3 Nov. 2026
  • For the first time in a dozen years, a leading OB-GYN group has updated its guidance on managing hot flashes, night sweats, sleep changes and other disruptive symptoms that often come with menopause.
    — Laura Ungar, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of come
Verb
  • The deep soaking tub and clear shower stall are set pieces in the room, creating a real open and airy feel.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Knight may have been thinking about the film for 16 years, but creating the version that is coming out in 2026 wouldn’t have been possible without all of the learnings spread across films like ParaNorman and Kubo and the Two Strings.
    — Andrew Webster, The Verge, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of create
Verb
  • Now, Newsom is termed out of the governor’s mansion early next year and is reportedly laying the groundwork for a presidential run in 2028, where his track record on homelessness will almost inevitably come up on the campaign trail.
    — Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The Cheesecake Factory has not commented publicly on Obama’s remark, and the topic did not come up on the company’s earnings call.
    — Andrew McGowan, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of come up
Verb
  • We were issued metal water bottles for bringing ashore, and followed strict instructions on not bringing any food off the ship, and disinfecting our boots before and after stepping ashore to keep Antarctica pristine.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 2026
  • The program brings aircraft developers and public agencies together to test operations before wider deployment.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 31 Oct. 2026
Definition of bring
Verb
  • Over time, the orbit of the pair can decay, the duo slowly approaching one another.
    — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The likelihood of such a transition depends on how quickly an electron approaches the energy gap.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of approach
Verb
  • The cyclists cross the state, generating an economic impact estimated at $25 million.
    — Washington Post, Washington Post, 24 Oct. 2026
  • In tests by cybersecurity firm McAfee, a three-second clip was enough to generate a clone with an 85% match to the original speaker.
    — Muskaan Arshad, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of generate
Verb
  • The Associated Press called the race for Biss within an hour after the polls closed Tuesday evening.
    — Russell Lissau, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Trump, reportedly watching returns from the White House, criticized Fox News coverage before most polls had closed.
    — David Weigel, semafor.com, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of close

Browse Nearby Words

draw (off)
draw on
draw out
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Draw on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/draw%20on. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

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