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
When asked directly in the survey if churches that endorse political candidates should lose their tax-exempt status, around 48% of respondents agreed, 31% disagreed and 21% weren’t sure.
—
Angele Latham, The Tennessean, 9 July 2025
Still, the 12-year contract would help Notre Dame absorb losing USC if there’s no common ground with the Trojans.
—Pete Sampson, New York Times, 9 July 2025
In the 25 years before it was signed, more than 3,500 people lost their lives in the Troubles.
—Alex Ritman, Variety, 9 July 2025
Los Angeles County, which stood to lose nearly $20 million in annual federal HIV prevention funding, was looking at terminating contracts with 39 providers.
—Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for lose
Angele Latham, The Tennessean, 9 July 2025
Still, the 12-year contract would help Notre Dame absorb losing USC if there’s no common ground with the Trojans.
—Pete Sampson, New York Times, 9 July 2025
In the 25 years before it was signed, more than 3,500 people lost their lives in the Troubles.
—Alex Ritman, Variety, 9 July 2025
Los Angeles County, which stood to lose nearly $20 million in annual federal HIV prevention funding, was looking at terminating contracts with 39 providers.
—Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for lose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lose
Verb
-
Injuries to All-Stars at inopportune times—such as the one that caused Caitlin Clark to miss her first chance to face Paige Bueckers—have diminished prime-time-window star power during the first half of the season and led to complaints over schedule congestion.—
Eric Jackson,
Sportico.com,
1 July 2025
-
The breakfast is the highlight for many guests so make sure not to miss it.—
Monica Mendal,
Vogue,
1 July 2025
Verb
-
One boss fight in particular should’ve been a greater challenge, but between DK and Pauline dropping literal bombs on the foe, the encounter was over in moments.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
1 July 2025
-
Barry Morphew was initially charged with the murder of Suzanne Morphew in 2021, but those charges were dropped after prosecutorial misconduct.—
Adam Sabes,
FOXNews.com,
1 July 2025
Verb
-
Notre Dame, with an offensive line that included three top-10 picks, roared back, falling 24-22 when its two-point conversion got stuffed with seven seconds remaining.—
Pete Sampson,
New York Times,
9 July 2025
-
Partner that with another warning sign: A declining ratio of U.S. exports to imports while the U.S. deficit increases into record territory – like trade falling two months in a row, atypical since the former tends to remain steady even as the deficit increases.—
Ken Roberts,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
Verb
-
Spanning over three decades, Syed’s work features discarded, everyday materials that are then woven into striking pieces.—
Sonya Rehman,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
This part of the process is a prime opportunity to check the expiration dates on all refrigerator contents and to discard items past their prime.—
Taylor Tobin,
Southern Living,
30 June 2025
Verb
-
Start by auditing your calendar and asking yourself: How much of your week is spent on reactive, tactical work?—
Luciana Paulise,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
-
Amos has led Aflac for 35 years and has spent more than five decades at the company his family founded.—
Glen Luke Flanagan,
Fortune,
30 June 2025
Verb
-
Child and pet safety: Never forget to safeguard young children and pets by not leaving them unattended in vehicles, especially during scorching weather when car interiors can become life-threateningly hot.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
11 July 2025
-
Some slogans and ad campaigns are quickly forgotten.—
Seth Emerson,
New York Times,
10 July 2025
Verb
-
When corporate processes eclipse the culture, ventures almost inevitably falter.—
Jennifer J. Fondrevay,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
Here are a few more takeaways from Monday’s game: Michael Wacha falters late Wacha had trouble navigating the Mariners’ lineup.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
1 July 2025
Verb
-
But if the Orioles are willing to dump him off for next to nothing, the Mets could explore the idea.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 June 2025
-
Replace status dumps with two-way updates and invite feedback and surface risks early.—
Dr. Cynthia J. Young,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lose. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share