Synonyms of impoverish

impoverish

verb

1

as in to pauperize

Related Words

• pauperize
• ruin
• bankrupt
• reduce
• beggar
• bust
• break
• wipe out
• straiten
• clean (out)

Dissimilar Words

• enrich
• richen

2

as in to deplete

Related Words

• deplete
• consume
• exhaust
• spend
• squander
• lose
• splurge
• waste
• lavish
• dissipate
• throw away
• overspend
• misspend
• run through
• blow
• trifle (away)
• shoot
• indulge
• expend
• fritter (away)
• fiddle away
• overindulge
• disburse
• lay out

Dissimilar Words

• protect
• preserve
• save
• conserve
• hoard
• lay up
• economize
• skimp
• scrimp

Synonym Chooser

How is the word impoverish distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of impoverish are bankrupt, deplete, drain, and exhaust. While all these words mean "to deprive of something essential to existence or potency," impoverish suggests a deprivation of something essential to richness or productiveness.

impoverished soil

When would bankrupt be a good substitute for impoverish?

In some situations, the words bankrupt and impoverish are roughly equivalent. However, bankrupt suggests impoverishment to the point of imminent collapse.

war had bankrupted the nation of resources

When might deplete be a better fit than impoverish?

The meanings of deplete and impoverish largely overlap; however, deplete implies a reduction in number or quantity so as to endanger the ability to function.

depleting our natural resources

When can drain be used instead of impoverish?

While in some cases nearly identical to impoverish, drain implies a gradual withdrawal and ultimate deprivation of what is necessary to an existence.

personal tragedy had drained him of all spirit

In what contexts can exhaust take the place of impoverish?

The words exhaust and impoverish are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exhaust stresses a complete emptying.

her lecture exhausted the subject

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of impoverish

The cost is onerous for people already impoverished by 22 months of war and devastation. —Samuel Granados, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025

The current budget increases funding, but at a rate less then inflation, further impoverishing our schools. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 20 July 2025

This is the opportunity to seek a lasting agreement that benefits both Iranians and the world, one that includes the majority of Iranians who reject a regime that steals their resources, isolates their country, and impoverishes them. —Roya Boroumand, Time, 9 July 2025

Unable to feed themselves or find work at home, Hondurans seek employment in the country whose trade policies impoverished them. —Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025