1
as in sipping
to swallow in liquid form
the doctor wants her to drink lots of water before the examination
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in boozing
to partake excessively of alcoholic beverages
we're worried that she's started drinking again
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in absorbing
to take in (something liquid) through small openings
the hot surface of the porous rock drank water like a sponge
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of drinking
The weather service suggests drinking plenty of fluids, staying indoors with air-conditioning and out of the sun, and checking up on relatives and neighbors.
—
Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 11 June 2026
The couple had been drinking at a Westlake Village cantina and were heading to Grossman’s home to watch a presidential debate.
—Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
In an 18-month study of women with type 2 diabetes with overweight or obesity, researchers compared those who switched from diet soda to water with those who kept drinking diet soda.
—Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 10 June 2026
Alvarez and Monterrey confirmed that everyone was drinking throughout the day.
—Nikiya Carrero, CBS News, 10 June 2026
While trying to make a go of it as a New York theater actor, Harbour stopped drinking.
—Daniel D'addario, Variety, 10 June 2026
Located in Pioneer Square, Seattle’s original downtown core, the space The Central occupies has been home to drinking establishments since the 1890s, with a pause during Prohibition.
—Mark Dejoy, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 June 2026
The visuals feature the couple eating pasta out of a pot, drinking an Aperol spritz with Charli xcx and Donatella Versace, and dancing with a signora.
—José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 10 June 2026
Danny is, once again, drinking and trying to hide it.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 4 June 2026
Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 11 June 2026
The couple had been drinking at a Westlake Village cantina and were heading to Grossman’s home to watch a presidential debate.
—Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
In an 18-month study of women with type 2 diabetes with overweight or obesity, researchers compared those who switched from diet soda to water with those who kept drinking diet soda.
—Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 10 June 2026
Alvarez and Monterrey confirmed that everyone was drinking throughout the day.
—Nikiya Carrero, CBS News, 10 June 2026
While trying to make a go of it as a New York theater actor, Harbour stopped drinking.
—Daniel D'addario, Variety, 10 June 2026
Located in Pioneer Square, Seattle’s original downtown core, the space The Central occupies has been home to drinking establishments since the 1890s, with a pause during Prohibition.
—Mark Dejoy, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 June 2026
The visuals feature the couple eating pasta out of a pot, drinking an Aperol spritz with Charli xcx and Donatella Versace, and dancing with a signora.
—José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 10 June 2026
Danny is, once again, drinking and trying to hide it.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 4 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drinking
Verb
-
The lobby bar, called The Living Room, was busy with groups of friends sipping hot toddies and Champagne at low tables and around the fireplace.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 June 2026
-
Fans can catch the action on the brewery’s TVs while sipping $5 pints of Olde Meck or Hornets Nest, depending on the match day.—
Evan Moore
June 11,
Charlotte Observer,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
Still, Garance’s death stare into the void, where this woman is still hard-boozing 90 minutes into the movie, starts to run its premise thin despite Exarchopoulos’ terrific and totally internalized turn.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
17 May 2026
-
Ferrara makes no bones about the catastrophic consequences of so much boozing and chasing the dragon on his personal life and finances.—
Nick Pinkerton,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The weaker bonds are dispersed throughout the material as cross-links known as mechanophores, and upon a sudden strike, those mechanophores selectively snap at the impact site, absorbing the impact energy more effectively.—
Shirl Leigh
June 10,
New Atlas,
10 June 2026
-
Also indicative of a dense shroud of gas were signs of fluorescence and helium-absorbing radiation.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
10 June 2026
Verb
-
Others can’t stand the sound of gulping.—
Sloane Crosley,
New Yorker,
8 June 2026
-
This viral anti-slip slow feeder lick bowl helps prevent gulping and bloating, while keeping your dogs entertained for longer with a healthy, fun challenge.—
Kasey Caminiti,
USA Today,
25 May 2026
Verb
-
And do your best to avoid swallowing the water.—
Abby Norman,
Verywell Health,
8 June 2026
-
Johns founded the university's voice center in 2017 in order to help people experiencing issues with their voices, swallowing or airways and improve their quality of life.—
Rachel Raposas,
PEOPLE,
6 June 2026
Verb
-
Guests who prefer imbibing to detoxing can also book cigar-rolling workshops, wine and rum tastings, and even personalized private dinners in Le Cave, which is the oldest wine cellar in the region and down the stairs from L’Oursin.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 May 2026
-
With Vuckovich on the cusp of his 90th birthday, the seven-decade spread between the pianist and Tang embodies jazz’s crucial generational reach, with young players imbibing essential seasoning via direct contact with veteran masters.—
Andrew Gilbert,
Mercury News,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Drinking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drinking. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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