using up

Definition of using upnext
present participle 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 using up Try to find homes for these items under cabinets, in the pantry, or other places where they can easily be accessed without using up countertop real estate when not in use. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 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 Additionally, fears exist that the three-way primary could be using up financial resources the party could need in the general election later this year. Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 17 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for using up
Verb
  • Charging documents allege 45-year-old Kelley Ann Haley used the club's debit cards for hundreds of unauthorized purchases and ATM withdrawals between 2019 and early 2025, spending the money on personal expenses, including travel, shopping, and utility bills.
    Caroline Foreback, CBS News, 6 May 2026
  • That's unfathomably more than in the past election, when spending on the races totaled less than $1 million.
    Susan Page, USA Today, 6 May 2026
Verb
  • King warned that the war would devour Johnson’s ambition for a Great Society, consuming the resources meant to relieve poverty here at home.
    Mark Conway, Baltimore Sun, 9 May 2026
  • Matters involving architectural reviews and approvals can become particularly contentious and time consuming for homeowner associations, especially in large communities.
    Nicole R. Kurtz, Miami Herald, 7 May 2026
Verb
  • The Summer House scandal playing out on Bravo.
    John Ross, Vanity Fair, 8 May 2026
  • Jo and Naomi McPherson were playing out of mini amps.
    Katie Gavin, Time, 8 May 2026
Verb
  • Shane Lowry has the distinction of draining one of the more memorable putts in recent golf history.
    Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Grow crocosmia in moist, organically rich, well-draining soil in full sun to light shade.
    Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Martinez on Thursday did not discuss details of the plan but said the city was exhausting all its options while seeking more ways to cut costs.
    Abby Church, Houston Chronicle, 30 Apr. 2026
  • In some ways, the Wolfpack were already destined for a reset, with veterans like Tre Holloman, Darrion Williams, Quadir Copeland and Ven-Allen Lubin all exhausting their eligibility.
    Brendan Marks, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • China has continued to purchase Iranian oil during the conflict, analysts say, still importing well over a million barrels per day last month – drawing down stock from floating storage already in Asia and unaffected by the US naval blockade of Hormuz.
    Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 6 May 2026
  • Since the start of the war, the United States has exported over 280 million barrels over nine weeks, drawing down the country's strategic petroleum reserves in the process.
    Dian Zhang, USA Today, 6 May 2026
Verb
  • Install it too low, and your knees will be in your face when using the commode.
    Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 9 May 2026
  • But in 2003, it was considered too degraded to be capable of producing a match using methods available at the time.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 May 2026
Verb
  • Unfortunately, facilities at public parks and libraries close at nightfall, greatly reducing the number of bathrooms available.
    Michael Perkins, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2026
  • In the surgical procedure, a v-shape of the lower lid is removed thereby shortening the area and reducing the defect.
    Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 10 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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