used up 1 of 2

Definition of used upnext

used up

2 of 2

verb

past tense of use up

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 used up
Verb
Polarek said the heavy snowfall in November used up a lot of salt. Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026 Sliced avocado will not last as long as a half and should be used up within a day. Abigail Abesamis Demarest, Martha Stewart, 30 Jan. 2026 At the same time, Manny Ramirez used up his 10 years on the Baseball Writers Association of America ballot and will now be considered by the Eras Committees, once known as Veterans Committees. Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026 Traditionally, bakers in European countries used up all their fats and sugar ahead of the Lenten season since religious observances forbid indulgences during the season. Jelissa Burns, Freep.com, 6 Jan. 2026 As the fuel is used up, it is collected at the bottom of the vessel. New Atlas, 20 Oct. 2025 After a few days, when these reserves are all used up, the body turns to stored fat and the liver converts the fat into ketones. Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025 Like a digital intermission clock of sorts that kept the audience abreast of what percentage of the time between sets had been used up. Chris Willman, Variety, 14 Oct. 2025 VO2 max, which tests the maximum amount of oxygen used up during exercise, typically declines with age. Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 1 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for used up
Adjective
  • In Stoddart’s estimation, the best way to freeze these semi-consumed cakes is in slices.
    Taylor Tobin, Southern Living, 2 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Nebraska, meanwhile, has spent the last quarter-century chasing memories.
    Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
  • The nurses in the Pitt have spent the most time with Louie over the years, and his death would hit them hard.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Drive at a reduced speed during wet weather.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 18 Feb. 2026
  • And last week a federal judge upheld an Illinois state law, the Interchange Fee Prohibition Act, which bans swipe fees on taxes and tips, which could lead to higher card fees and reduced rewards.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 17 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • They're exhausted by the constant airing of grievances having little to do with what's actually going on in the country, and by the broad generalizations about, well, everything, that ignore context, nuance and facts to promote a political viewpoint.
    Brenda Looper, Arkansas Online, 11 Feb. 2026
  • But critically, there's a gaping hole in the offensive line following the departure of left tackle Dorion Strawn, who exhausted his eligibility.
    Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Country Day had rallied from a 14-point second-period deficit, trailing 23-9, when senior Jack Wegman drained a trio of three-pointers to key a 15-4 Falcons streak that narrowed the gap to 27-24 at intermission.
    Mike Waters, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Feb. 2026
  • The expropriations, along with the firings, consolidated state control of the oil sector and, experts say, drained the country of expertise and investment, inflicting lasting damage.
    Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The team meticulously marks, measures, and photographs each crater and depression, all the while brushing off questions from villagers befuddled by the interest in this barren, untillable plot of land.
    Kathleen McLaughlin, Science | AAAS, 21 June 2017
Verb
  • For example, Mermentau Cove previously used Mardi Gras funds to construct a pavilion for their graveyard and add flags to veterans' graves.
    Carlie Procell, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026
  • The practice was particularly used by patrolling troops during World War II, according to Smith, who has educated himself in the sport’s long history.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Heavy industrial water use—such as by data centers—should be throttled through taxation to fund desalinated water for refilling depleted aquifers.
    Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
  • The department’s depleted police ranks had dropped from 920 officers in 2019 to an abysmal 560 in 2024.
    Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 13 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Used up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/used%20up. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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