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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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of drinking
There was an increase in drinking from 2021 to 2023 among San Diego Unified high school students, especially those 18 and older.
—
Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 June 2026
Also in Boston, Scottish World Cup supporters impressed locals after reportedly drinking several bars dry.
—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2026
While the two keep drinking and wait for a rare lunar event, old grievances, outrageous escapades, and macho rivalries explode to the surface.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 18 June 2026
Pair it with a charcuterie spread, light salads, or simply enjoy it on the patio as an easy-drinking summer red.
—Emily Cappiello, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Another way to stay hydrated is to avoid drinking alcohol, because alcoholic beverages cause dehydration and also make people less aware of heat illness symptoms, says Vanos.
—Rebecca Hersher, NPR, 17 June 2026
Smilianska also admitted to drinking after her shift at a Longmont bar earlier that morning.
—Karen Morfitt, CBS News, 17 June 2026
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
While trying to make a go of it as a New York theater actor, Harbour stopped drinking.
—Daniel D'addario, Variety, 10 June 2026
Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 June 2026
Also in Boston, Scottish World Cup supporters impressed locals after reportedly drinking several bars dry.
—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2026
While the two keep drinking and wait for a rare lunar event, old grievances, outrageous escapades, and macho rivalries explode to the surface.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 18 June 2026
Pair it with a charcuterie spread, light salads, or simply enjoy it on the patio as an easy-drinking summer red.
—Emily Cappiello, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Another way to stay hydrated is to avoid drinking alcohol, because alcoholic beverages cause dehydration and also make people less aware of heat illness symptoms, says Vanos.
—Rebecca Hersher, NPR, 17 June 2026
Smilianska also admitted to drinking after her shift at a Longmont bar earlier that morning.
—Karen Morfitt, CBS News, 17 June 2026
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
While trying to make a go of it as a New York theater actor, Harbour stopped drinking.
—Daniel D'addario, Variety, 10 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drinking
Verb
-
Husband-and-wife team Andrew Levitas and Katherine Jenkins created the Welsh spirit so that Jenkins, a classical singer, could enjoy sipping a gin smooth enough not to affect her voice.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
18 June 2026
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Dig your toes in the sand while sipping a mai tai and munching on the restaurant’s famous Bimini Bread with Aruba Glaze and whipped honey butter.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
17 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
-
South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu made a mistake earlier that led to Mexico's goal and 1-0 lead, but Kim just kept his team down just one goal after saving a hard shot in the 71st minute by absorbing a hard shot from Raúl Jiménez to his chest and face.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
19 June 2026
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The specialty sneakers are designed with a shock-absorbing sole to alleviate pressure and strain on your heels and joints by minimizing the impact of your steps.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
18 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
-
Brandsema explained that humans are born with one pool of motor neurons for life, and SMA slowly robs individuals of their motor neurons over time, leaving them with difficulty walking or running, holding up their heads, or even swallowing food and liquid safely.—
Ciara McCarthy
June 15,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
15 June 2026
-
Lacking vegetation to hold the sand in place, the wind pushes it over the top, swallowing trees and anything else in its path.—
Doug Ross,
Chicago Tribune,
15 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 23 Jun. 2026.
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