USING UP Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

using up

verb

present participle of use up

as in spending

to make complete use of we used up the last of the flour when we made the waffles

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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 using up Under-bed storage containers are the perfect way to store off-season clothes, sneakers, sandals, scarves, hats, and more to keep your bedroom floors clean without using up space in your closet. — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 24 June 2026 The company claims its models can match or outperform frontier labs using up to 100 times fewer tokens, which are the currency for running AI queries. — Samantha Subin, CNBC, 23 June 2026 This single observation suggests that, during strong wind conditions, each rotor would contribute about 1 MW of propulsion, even when using up its own 20 kW of spinning power. — Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 21 Apr. 2026 Roskopf, however, countered that data centers don’t provide significant jobs, but only provide an additional tax base while using up resources. — Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026 Breakfast Burritos The most flexible breakfast on this list and one of the best for using up what is already in the fridge. — Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 10 Mar. 2026 Data centers have faced increasing criticism for using up water and power, adding to the already-existing strain on those resources. — Emma Murphy, Oklahoma Voice, 5 Mar. 2026 As gravity pulls this gas together, new stars ignite — gradually using up all the galaxy's star-forming fuel. — Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 4 Mar. 2026 The United States, Israel, and their Gulf allies are using up scarce and costly munitions at an astounding rate. — Brynn Tannehill, The Atlantic, 4 Mar. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for using up

Verb

Between outside economists and litigators, the states could end up spending $20 million.

— Gene Maddaus, Variety, 14 July 2026
The Anagram sunglasses style is the best way to get your hands on the maison’s finest without spending a fortune.

— Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 14 July 2026

Definition of spending

Verb

Because poppy seeds come from the same plant species used to produce opiates, consuming large amounts can sometimes lead to detectable levels of opiate compounds in urine tests.

— Daryl Austin, USA Today, 19 July 2026
The potential spread of massive water and electricity-consuming data centers into Florida has sparked fierce opposition from thousands of residents and drawn dividing lines between its most powerful politicians.

— Alexandra Phelps, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026

Definition of consuming

Verb

Window closing to find survivors These are the kinds of scenes playing out across La Guaira state, with people milling around in the streets after being left homeless, uncertain of what to do next.

— Fernando Narro Roman, NPR, 28 June 2026
These same dynamics are now playing out in litigation over social media and youth mental health.

— Alex Smolak, STAT, 27 June 2026

Definition of playing out

Verb

Fabricating a purely electromechanical robot at the millimeter scale requires intricate, heavy motors that consume significant power, typically draining tiny batteries within mere minutes of operation.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 July 2026
Roses require nutrient-rich, well-draining soil for healthy growth.

— Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 16 July 2026

Definition of draining

Verb

But there were hero moments here too, the same refusal to lose, the same team-work, the same selfless effort in exhausting physical conditions.

— Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 12 July 2026
The two young women at the center of the chamber piece that is Fruit Gathering face more challenges than hard work in a monotonous environment, including exhausting work, economic uncertainty and social repression.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026

Definition of exhausting

Verb

In addition to ramping up its production since leaving OPEC+, Kpler senior oil analyst Johannes Raubal said the UAE has also been drawing down crude inventories, further enhancing export volumes.

— Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 7 July 2026
Yet since Ratcliffe’s arrival, United have been noticeably more creative with their debt management, regularly drawing down and repaying portions of their RCF to meet short-term spending needs.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 13 June 2026

Definition of drawing down

Verb

Other, small local initiatives have recently been aimed at improving post-release support and reducing recidivism.

— Amber Gaudet July 18, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026
Weakening high pressure to our east is slowly reducing scorching hot temperatures from earlier this week and diminishing the monsoonal moisture that provided unseasonable rain showers and thunderstorms.

— Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of reducing

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using up

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“Using up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/using%20up. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of using up

verb

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