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

For consumption, Temasek sees opportunities in spending on experiences over goods, and homegrown consumer brands that have proved innovation capabilities, over foreign brands.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 8 July 2026
But instead, Patel is walking free after spending two years living with his parents and participating in therapy.

— Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

Definition of spending

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

But if the drain line is clogged or the drain pan is not tilted appropriately, then this could prevent the moisture from draining away.

— Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 10 July 2026
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, whose agency oversees the National Park Service, told conservative podcaster Katie Miller in an interview released earlier this week that the new round of draining was planned.

— ABC News, ABC News, 10 July 2026

Definition of draining

Verb

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
This convergence is a very encouraging sign, providing the first footprint of a structural trend change and indicating that the selling pressure from the recent rug pull is finally exhausting itself.

— Nishant Pant, CNBC, 7 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

Federal officials are using helicopters and ground vehicles to drive the horses into a large catch pen with holding corrals.

— Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
But a growing number of ships are using a route close to the Omani coast instead, threatening Iran’s leverage over the waterway.

— Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 9 July 2026

Definition of using

Verb

The legislation reflects the complexity of the crisis, combining a total of 47 proposals aimed at increasing housing supply, reducing costs and expanding access to affordable homes.

— Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
The goal is to improve inspection quality while reducing the risks associated with labor-intensive maintenance work.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026

Definition of reducing

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usual

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“Using up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/using%20up. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of using up

verb

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