impoverish

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

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 impoverish 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 The alternative — concentrating AI benefits among capital owners while leaving displaced workers impoverished—is economically counterproductive. Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for impoverish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impoverish
Verb
  • Ironically, in Cuba, a country pauperized by a Marxist model for the past 61 years, there is a growing public cry demanding change.
    Otto Reich, National Review, 8 Apr. 2020
Verb
  • In addition, holiday shopping began as early as July for some consumers, who were looking to avoid higher prices and shortages on retail shelves later in the year, inevitably depleting the sales tally for the traditional November through December holiday period.
    David Moin, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Plants that are heavy feeders or that have high water requirements may deplete resources mums need.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.
    Don Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 30 Sep. 2025
  • The jerky in particular has ruined me for all other beef jerky—so be forewarned the same might happen to you.
    Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Republicans have opposed public funding for meals consumed by students whose families can afford to pay for the food.
    Clara Hendrickson, Freep.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Odell emphasized that the structure of Studio DRBZ was well suited to the way content is created and consumed in the social media age.
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In the late 1830s, as a devastating financial crisis bankrupted antislavery societies across the North, the movement seemed splintered and powerless to keep up its petition pressure campaign.
    Time, Time, 24 Sep. 2025
  • See video … WATCH TOM HOMAN – With a secure border, the US is bankrupting cartels.
    , FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Given how many comebacks the Pacers had in the playoffs, there is some evidence that all that pressure (plus a relentless offensive pace) exhausts teams over 48 minutes.
    Eric Koreen, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Dassey, now 35, has exhausted his appeal efforts.
    Kelli Arseneau, jsonline.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • To reduce the risk of mosquito bites and West Nile virus, health officials recommend using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and long pants when outdoors, especially during peak mosquito activity at dawn and dusk.
    Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Autos Are an Economic Anchor China’s bold move into electric vehicles began in 2009 as a top-down policy to compete with foreign automakers, cut air pollution and reduce oil imports.
    Rebecca A. Fannin, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • That year, the board hired Pat Gelsinger, an engineer who had spent 30 years at Intel before leaving it for other companies and eventually running VMware.
    Lila MacLellan, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Elordi spent up to 10 hours per session in the makeup chair and worked 18-hour days in full prosthetics.
    Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Impoverish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impoverish. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on impoverish

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