exhaust

Synonym Chooser

How is the word exhaust distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of exhaust are fatigue, jade, tire, and weary. While all these words mean "to make or become unable or unwilling to continue," exhaust implies complete draining of strength by hard exertion.

shoveling snow exhausted him

In what contexts can fatigue take the place of exhaust?

Although the words fatigue and exhaust have much in common, fatigue suggests great lassitude from excessive strain or undue effort.

fatigued by the day's chores

When can jade be used instead of exhaust?

The words jade and exhaust are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, jade suggests the loss of all freshness and eagerness.

appetites jaded by overindulgence

When could tire be used to replace exhaust?

The meanings of tire and exhaust largely overlap; however, tire implies a draining of one's strength or patience.

the long ride tired us out

Where would weary be a reasonable alternative to exhaust?

While in some cases nearly identical to exhaust, weary stresses tiring until one is unable to endure more of the same thing.

wearied of the constant arguing

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 exhaust Murphy, appointed by former President Joe Biden, previously ruled that removing individuals to countries such as Libya without sufficient notice would violate legal protections—a precedent that applies to others who have exhausted their appeals. Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025 The war also created new opportunities, particularly through niches left by the exit of foreign businesses—although these have now been exhausted. Andrei Yakovlev, Foreign Affairs, 16 May 2025 Attitudes have fluctuated from negative to positive, and then from positive to negative with exhausting rapidity. Andrey Kurkov, Time, 15 May 2025 To the elderly and those already exhausted by their efforts to get this far, this simply became an insurmountable barrier. Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for exhaust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exhaust
Verb
  • Rather than tiring the players out, the Conference League has given Maresca more opportunity to rotate and give everyone game time, therefore keeping fringe members happier.
    Simon Johnson, New York Times, 2 May 2025
  • Part of that was due to Bergoglio’s age, 76; the cardinals were believed wary of choosing someone who might tire and, like Benedict, throw in the towel after just a few years.
    Henry Chu, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • These clocks will, unfortunately, drain your batteries a little quicker but probably not fast enough to really take notice.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
  • They’re emotionally drained, exhausted by the mental gymnastics that have such a profound effect on their franchise’s direction.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • For their big milestone, the twins wore dark blue caps and gowns with matching white asymmetrical cocktail dresses underneath, posing for photos with their classmates, friends and family members while holding flowers and their diplomas.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 24 May 2025
  • And thanks to Crocs’ waterproof material and ventilation ports, my kids wear them in the pool shower and during the car ride home without ever taking them off.
    Laura Lu, Parents, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Their specials may wade into bleaker territory but the six top comics gathered for THR’s Stand-Up Emmy Roundtable spent most of their time together in stitches.
    Lacey Rose, HollywoodReporter, 25 May 2025
  • For example, the 256GB version’s price is $1,100 – roughly 86% more than the $580 Apple spent for all the hardware, the assembly and the testing, reported the Wall Street Journal.
    Peter Cohan, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
Verb
  • The forecast comes after several devastating hurricanes battered the U.S. last year, including Helene, which killed 241 people across five states in September.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 25 May 2025
  • The week took a tragic turn Wednesday evening in Washington, D.C., when two Israeli Embassy employees were shot and killed near a Jewish museum.
    Grace Miserocchi, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • Arepas are corn pancakes that can be consumed on their own or with an array of garnishes and fixings.
    Cat Sposato, AFAR Media, 15 May 2025
  • The children who consumed the cookies were transported to Christ Hospital and have since been released, according to WFLD.
    Abigail Adams, People.com, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • And Bellinger followed him with a grand slam that busted the game open in the same frame.
    Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 19 May 2025
  • Methodical and dreary, the film’s key image is of Kuznetsov (who coincidentally-but-on-purpose has a nose that appears to have been busted around) walking down endless dismal hallways.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • An estimate from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said the proposals would reduce the number of people with health care by at least 7.6 million from the Medicaid changes, and possibly more with other changes to the Affordable Care Act.
    Kevin Freking, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2025
  • In Sacramento, California, the weather service warned its office would have reduced staffing overnight.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Exhaust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exhaust. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

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