IMPOVERISHED Synonyms: 146 Similar and Opposite Words

impoverished 1 of 2

adjective

im-ˈpä-v(ə-)risht

Definition of impoverished

as in poor

lacking money or material possessions the widespread hope that the lottery's record-setting jackpot is won by an impoverished family

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in desolate

producing inferior or only a small amount of vegetation an impoverished field that over the years had been overgrazed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

impoverished

2 of 2

verb

past tense of impoverish

as in pauperized

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

as in depleted

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 impoverished

Adjective

Parton had came from an impoverished upbringing, and used her fame to focus on philanthropy and support for those in need. — Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 About one-fifth of Florida’s impoverished elderly people live in the county, state records show. — Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026 Behind the scenes, this gritty, impoverished circus company wrestles with violence, illness and animal cruelty. — Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026 That is a symptom of an impoverished understanding of a leadership role. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for impoverished

Recent Examples of Synonyms for impoverished

Adjective

The following season, Chelsea topped their Champions League group, but poor Premier League form saw Mourinho sacked in mid-December.

— Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Many are in poor shape, with thin, uninsulated walls, leaky windows, old or broken swamp coolers and electrical systems that can't always handle air conditioners.

— Alejandra Borunda, NPR, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of poor

Adjective

All of them were naked, mutilated and left in desolate spots.

— Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026
Miller was one of four young women whose bodies were found between 1984 and 1991 in a rural field off a desolate dirt road in League City, located about 28 miles (45 kilometers) southeast of Houston.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of desolate

Verb

However, with that beauty comes the need to clean these tiles properly so that the finish isn’t be ruined.

— Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 5 Sep. 2026
The fight between a small Georgia community and tech giant Meta has escalated this week after four families filed a lawsuit against the company alleging a central Georgia data center project has contaminated their water and ruined their home values.

— Irene Wright, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of ruined

Verb

Patterson signed up for a scholarship to help pay for the costs, but was told the funds were depleted.

— Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2026
Iranian weapon stockpiles are also likely being depleted, and citizens are struggling to access basic goods – including food and medicine.

— Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of depleted

Adjective

All three races put Schumer and his allies in a tough position of deciding whether to pour all of their limited resources into a handful of states that can give them 51 seats — or go for broke all across the country to multiply their chances.

— Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 3 Sep. 2026
Rachel and Monica’s West Village sublet gave way to Hannah and Marnie’s Greenpoint apartment—an address that might be considered laughably unattainable by the broke twentysomethings of today.

— Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of broke

Adjective

Despite an aging roster, a barren farm system and a minus-38 run differential, the Astros remain in position for their 10th playoff berth in 12 years.

— Zack Meisel, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Without vegetation, a barren burn scar allows runoff to flow more quickly.

— Jamie Stengle, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of barren

Verb

Brent crude oil prices paused in early trading on Tuesday after gaining in the previous session following a drone attack on an oil pipeline pumping station in Russia that reduced flows from Kazakhstan.

— Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026
Promise a rebate to every taxpayer when the size and cost of government is reduced.

— Cal Thomas, Arkansas Online, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of reduced

Verb

Once the appeals process is exhausted, the court's certification is sent to the State Department, along with court records.

— Bill Chappell, NPR, 9 Sep. 2026
But their first-choice XI last season was good enough to take on most in the Premier League when fit and not be exhausted by a Conference League-winning campaign.

— Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of exhausted

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“Impoverished.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impoverished. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of impoverished

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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