Synonyms of tire

tire

verb

ˈtī(-ə)r 

1

as in to weaken

to diminish the physical strength of

I don't want our walk to tire you too much

Synonyms & Similar Words

• weaken
• waste
• soften
• exhaust
• hurt
• injure
• sap
• damage
• debilitate
• prostrate
• devitalize
• paralyze
• enervate
• enfeeble
• etiolate
• depress
• impair
• deplete
• cripple
• grind (down)
• hamstring
• disable
• harm
• incapacitate
• invalid
• wash out
• wear out
• wear down
• lay up
• impoverish
• unman
• break down

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• strengthen
• fortify
• recruit
• energize
• season
• beef (up)
• rejuvenate
• harden
• invigorate
• vitalize
• toughen

2

as in to bore

to make weary and restless by being dull or monotonous

this long dry lecture will tire the audience if you don't insert some jokes into it

Synonyms & Similar Words

• bore
• weary
• exhaust
• wear
• drain
• jade
• put to sleep
• fatigue
• pall
• discourage
• burn out
• wear out
• wash out
• enervate
• disable
• tucker (out)
• debilitate
• enfeeble
• fag
• dishearten
• demoralize
• dispirit
• deject
• do in

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• grip
• busy
• engage
• interest
• absorb
• stimulate
• activate
• strengthen
• excite
• energize
• animate
• intrigue
• charm
• enliven
• amuse
• entertain
• attract
• fascinate
• galvanize
• invigorate
• busy
• occupy
• engross
• monopolize
• vitalize
• involve
• enthrall
• beguile
• stir
• rally
• captivate
• rouse
• allure
• hypnotize
• immerse
• enchant
• preoccupy
• bewitch
• mesmerize
• pump up

3

as in to wear

to use up all the physical energy of

this pentathlon will tire all but the hardiest athletes

Synonyms & Similar Words

• wear
• exhaust
• kill
• drain
• weary
• bust
• fatigue
• waste
• burn out
• wash out
• outwear
• break
• harass
• wear out
• knock out
• fag
• tucker (out)
• frazzle
• wear to a frazzle
• weaken
• do in
• sap
• do up
• enervate
• debilitate
• enfeeble

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• strengthen
• activate
• energize
• rest
• relax
• rejuvenate
• invigorate
• vitalize
• unwind

Synonym Chooser

How is the word tire distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of tire are exhaust, fatigue, jade, and weary. While all these words mean "to make or become unable or unwilling to continue," tire implies a draining of one's strength or patience.

the long ride tired us out

When can exhaust be used instead of tire?

While in some cases nearly identical to tire, exhaust implies complete draining of strength by hard exertion.

shoveling snow exhausted him

When might fatigue be a better fit than tire?

Although the words fatigue and tire have much in common, fatigue suggests great lassitude from excessive strain or undue effort.

fatigued by the day's chores

When is it sensible to use jade instead of tire?

The meanings of jade and tire largely overlap; however, jade suggests the loss of all freshness and eagerness.

appetites jaded by overindulgence

When could weary be used to replace tire?

The words weary and tire can be used in similar contexts, but weary stresses tiring until one is unable to endure more of the same thing.

wearied of the constant arguing

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of tire

Kenner said Thuja will only truly rest after a long session of training or searching, which tires out not only her body but also her brain. —Liz Teitz, San Antonio Express-News, 19 Mar. 2026

The strategy that King decided on at the last minute was to hang back, lobbing softballs to create long volleys that would tire Riggs out. —Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 28 Jan. 2026

That led to a more open contest, and as legs began to tire and City spurned their own chances on the break, the momentum slowly turned Chelsea’s way. —Thom Harris, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026

Fast-twitch muscle fibers tire more quickly and are used when our bodies need greater force production over a smaller period of time, like a short ski run. —Danielle Zickl, Outside, 29 Dec. 2025