use up

verb

Definition of use upnext
as in to spend
to make complete use of we used up the last of the flour when we made the waffles

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 use up Beijing did not have to fire a shot, spend vast sums or use up political capital. — Fareed Zakaria, Washington Post, 17 July 2026 The speed then drops once the battery power is used up before braking into Les Combes. — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 15 July 2026 With tips to use up vegetables, snacks loaded with several servings of fruit, and creative ways to extend the life of produce, these ideas will save you money and cut down on your food waste. — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 July 2026 The measure allows athletes to use up to five seasons of eligibility within a five-year window. — Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for use up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for use up
  1. spend
  2. consume
  3. drain
  4. exhaust
  5. play out
  6. draw down
  7. reduce
  8. use
Verb
  • Charles Duhigg is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and the author of The Power of Habit, which spent over three years on bestseller lists and has been translated into 40 languages, and Smarter Faster Better, also a bestseller.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Syeda Sultana, chief operating officer at the digital marketing platform Vettted, spent a decade managing a global sustainability program.
    — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of spend
Verb
  • Last December, the government introduced a higher rate for drivers consuming more than 160 litres (42 gallons) of petrol per month.
    — Chris Lau, CNN Money, 26 July 2026
  • Immature and adult mole crickets burrow, consume roots, and make tunnels in your lawn grass.
    — Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 26 July 2026
Definition of consume
Verb
  • Adjust the plan, automate one small savings move, and choose generosity that does not drain you.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026
  • Choose the step that strengthens your confidence instead of draining it.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2026
Definition of drain
Verb
  • Leaders who continually forge themselves become harder to exhaust, unsettle, or outmaneuver.
    — Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • After graduating with a degree in business economics, Pichardo learned that NCAA athletes can compete in a different sport after exhausting their initial four years of eligibility.
    — Marisa Ingemi, Mercury News, 27 July 2026
Definition of exhaust
Verb
  • Shamea and Porsha’s passive back-and-forth is a fascinating take on how icing someone out after a friendship falls apart can play out on a show like The Real Housewives.
    — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 29 June 2026
  • In April, when Rojas got news that his father had been rushed to the hospital, Roberts quickly took the decision on whether to play out of Rojas’ hands, scratching him from the lineup.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026
Definition of play out
Verb
  • Many suspect that oil supplies have held up only because inventories are being drawn down – which is certainly true to some degree.
    — George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • Europe came into the spring with gas storage at its lowest starting point in four years, drawn down by a cold winter and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
    — John Kerry, semafor.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of draw down
Verb
  • During his time in office, Tarwater has been vocal about reducing government spending and pushing back on new government programs.
    — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026
  • Chris Baumann, the SEIU Workers United South Region director, said improving conditions is a crucial part of improving passenger safety and reducing employee turnover.
    — DJ Simmons July 27, Charlotte Observer, 27 July 2026
Definition of reduce
Verb
  • There’s often debate about whether AI is used by employers to increase productivity among its workforce or cut wage costs, according to Brian Justie, a senior research analyst with the UCLA Labor Center.
    — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026
  • Investigators said Summers was using his phone extensively before the crash, driving 73-75 mph, and tested positive for cocaine and opiates.
    — Chadd Cripe. Produced with AI assistance, Idaho Statesman, 30 July 2026
Definition of use

Browse Nearby Words

uses up
use up
usher
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Cite this Entry

“Use up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/use%20up. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of use up for Spanish Speakers

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