PUMPING Synonyms: 79 Similar and Opposite Words

pumping

verb

present participle of pump

as in bobbing

to make short up-and-down movements the thighs of the bicyclists were pumping furiously as they neared the finish line

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in interrogating

to put a series of questions to prying neighbors pumped the guileless child for information about the family's new pool

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in draining

to remove (liquid) gradually or completely pumped water from the well

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 pumping More than a hundred and sixty thousand students enrolled, pumping Tate’s content into algorithms already primed to amplify extreme ideas. —

Heidi Blake, New Yorker, 8 June 2026 The project, undertaken in coordination with the South Delta Water Agency, was intended to offset impacts from water exports by the Central Valley Project and State Water Project pumping plants. —

Reeti Malhotra june 5, Sacbee.com, 6 June 2026 Saudi Arabia is aggressively pumping oil through the East-West pipeline to the Red Sea. —

Brian Sullivan, CNBC, 3 June 2026 Athletes pumping their bodies with chemicals to maximize performance sets a terrible example for everyone else. —

Leana S. Wen, Washington Post, 2 June 2026 Ali then exacts his revenge, pumping several rounds into Alamo's chest as the antagonistic figure falls for good. —

Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 1 June 2026 Malaysian diver Lee Kian Lie, who is involved in the operation, said workers were pumping water out of the cave. —

Jintamas Saksornchai, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2026 Malaysian diver Lee Kian Lie, who is involved in the operation, said workers were pumping water out of the cave. —

ABC News, 31 May 2026 The team has been pumping water out of the cave to give the men an easier exit. —

CNN Money, 30 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pumping

Verb

While the view from my balcony, overlooking yachts bobbing in the marina and Table Mountain further beyond, was lovely, nothing compares to the two-bedroom Cape Grace suite, with its panoramic perch over the mountain and harbor.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026
Many of the jurors were seemingly shaken by Gavin’s appearance in the film; others were seen bobbing their heads and dancing in their seats during sections featuring Jackson's music.

— Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 3 June 2026