1
2
as in to drop
to fail to win, gain, or obtain
if the team loses this game, they're out of the play-offs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to fall
to undergo defeat
she really hates to lose at anything, and inevitably throws tantrums when it happens
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to discard
to get rid of as useless or unwanted
we told the recent grad to lose the flashy shirts and dress conservatively for the job interview
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to spend
to use up carelessly
we lost a good hour while he tried to find his keys
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 lose
Punishments for killing a grizzly include a maximum civil penalty of $10,000, up to six months in jail, and losing hunting privileges for one to three years, the wildlife agency’s spokesperson T.J. Ross told McClatchy News by email May 21.
—
Helena Wegner, Idaho Statesman, 22 May 2025
The submersible's mother ship, the MV Polar Prince, lost contact with the Titan just over an hour and a half into its descent, and a field of debris later identified as the remnants of the imploded sub was discovered four days later.
—Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 22 May 2025
Andrew Marchand writes that the show lost its way in recent years, but that won’t change its place in my heart.
—Chris Branch, New York Times, 22 May 2025
The Lions were a laughingstock of the NFL and made the playoffs three times from 2000-20, losing in the wild-card round each time.
—Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for lose
Helena Wegner, Idaho Statesman, 22 May 2025
The submersible's mother ship, the MV Polar Prince, lost contact with the Titan just over an hour and a half into its descent, and a field of debris later identified as the remnants of the imploded sub was discovered four days later.
—Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 22 May 2025
Andrew Marchand writes that the show lost its way in recent years, but that won’t change its place in my heart.
—Chris Branch, New York Times, 22 May 2025
The Lions were a laughingstock of the NFL and made the playoffs three times from 2000-20, losing in the wild-card round each time.
—Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for lose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lose
Verb
-
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
People.com,
16 May 2025
-
Fill-in moderator Joy Behar took over for Goldberg on Wednesday's telecast, which Goldberg missed due to her sickness.—
Joey Nolfi Published,
EW.com,
15 May 2025
Verb
-
Officers then turned her over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents for a deportation hearing, although police later dropped the traffic charges against her, according to local media reports.—
Trevor Hughes,
USA Today,
15 May 2025
-
The original justification for dropping HBO from HBO Max was to signal a something-for-everyone content cornucopia.—
Jennifer Maas,
Variety,
14 May 2025
Verb
-
More: Stocks fall, Dow down 800 points as bonds tank amid tax debate.—
Riley Beggin,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
-
So in the end, how could this not be Beltré, who fell just short of 3,000 hits and 500 homers on this side of the Y2K line, while redefining what elite third-base leatherwork looked like?—
Jayson Stark,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
Verb
-
Today, House Republicans will move promptly to discard it.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 May 2025
-
Make sure to discard salsa that was left out at room temperature for over two hours, especially on hot days.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
15 May 2025
Verb
-
Combs could spend the rest of his life in prison if convicted.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
14 May 2025
-
Residents of the 8th Congressional District spend an average of 13% of their household income on energy — the highest in the state, according to Department of Commerce data.—
Tom Olsen,
Twin Cities,
14 May 2025
Verb
-
Don’t forget to take advantage of the signature St. Regis butler service, which will promptly fulfill requests for packing needs, garment pressing, restaurant reservations and a cup of steaming chamomile tea to unwind after a long flight.—
Natasha Amar,
Forbes.com,
11 May 2025
-
And don’t forget to sign the honor code when you’re done.—
Patricia Schultheis,
Baltimore Sun,
11 May 2025
Verb
-
With federal support faltering, your role has never been more critical.—
Randy Colman,
Sun Sentinel,
15 May 2025
-
The effort comes as progress on crypto legislation has faltered.—
Julia Shapero,
The Hill,
14 May 2025
Verb
-
Compost it or dump it in the trash in a sealed bag, but never put the starter—or sourdough dough for that matter—down the drain.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 May 2025
-
When the beating ended, the group loaded Ortiz into the bed of a pickup truck and dumped him in a ditch, the station reported.—
Mitchell Willetts,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lose. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share