drain 1 of 2

Definition of drainnext

drain

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word drain distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of drain are bankrupt, deplete, exhaust, and impoverish. While all these words mean "to deprive of something essential to existence or potency," drain implies a gradual withdrawal and ultimate deprivation of what is necessary to an existence.

personal tragedy had drained him of all spirit

When might bankrupt be a better fit than drain?

The synonyms bankrupt and drain are sometimes interchangeable, but bankrupt suggests impoverishment to the point of imminent collapse.

war had bankrupted the nation of resources

When can deplete be used instead of drain?

Although the words deplete and drain have much in common, deplete implies a reduction in number or quantity so as to endanger the ability to function.

depleting our natural resources

When is exhaust a more appropriate choice than drain?

In some situations, the words exhaust and drain are roughly equivalent. However, exhaust stresses a complete emptying.

her lecture exhausted the subject

When would impoverish be a good substitute for drain?

The words impoverish and drain are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, impoverish suggests a deprivation of something essential to richness or productiveness.

impoverished soil

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 drain
Verb
Chakkrit said earlier this week that rescuers were focused on draining water from the cave and finding alternative ways to get in, with diving operations suspended for fear that the divers could also become trapped if there were a sudden downpour. Janis MacKey Frayer, NBC news, 4 June 2026 Years ago the lake was closed, drained and renovated — its earlier brown water became inviting and clearer. ABC News, 4 June 2026
Noun
This approach eliminates the constant power drain typical of standard computing, clearing the path for a new generation of ultra-low-power, agile, and autonomous machines. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 25 May 2026 Officials say every time after leaving the water, boaters should clean, drain and dry to prevent the spread of zebra mussels. Ubah Ali, CBS News, 25 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for drain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drain
Verb
  • Brake gently as needed - Brake normally if the vehicle has anti-lock brakes and pump brakes gently if in an older vehicle.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 June 2026
  • The project, undertaken in coordination with the South Delta Water Agency, was intended to offset impacts from water exports by the Central Valley Project and State Water Project pumping plants.
    Reeti Malhotra June 5, Sacbee.com, 6 June 2026
Verb
  • Robert had spent the last few years accruing credit card points—more on that below—in the hopes of planning a blowout honeymoon experience for the wanderlusting couple, who had previously traveled together to romantic destinations like Japan and the south of France.
    Kaitlin Menza, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 June 2026
  • Grown-ups bring a ladder to climb into the enormous fruit, kids gather up their inflatable toys, someone makes a waterslide out of a piece of rind, and the whole community spends the day splashing in the juice and pulp (being careful to remove the seeds first).
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 June 2026
Verb
  • In recent months security forces have killed a string of top Maoists and the rank-and-file are laying down their weapons.
    Dhruv Tikekar, CNN Money, 30 May 2026
  • At the same time that the GKN situation was unraveling, the rupture of a chemical tank containing a different chemical mixture killed 11 people at a paper mill in Washington state.
    Jason Henry, Oc Register, 30 May 2026
Noun
  • The archways are furnished with sluice gates that can open to allow excess water to pass through in periods of flooding.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 May 2026
  • Some residents said the country club contribues to flooding by opening its sluice gate when rain is forecast.
    Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • At the heart of this experience is the Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary, a 3,000-acre preserve, where center director Marcos Stoltzfus and his team serve as planners and guides, coordinating both conservation efforts and the flow of tens of thousands of visitors each season.
    Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
  • The converter manages the flow of electricity between the battery and the vehicle's various electrical systems.
    James Morris, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
Verb
  • If approved, the property tax cuts would still siphon millions of tax dollars from the budgets of local taxing authorities in both Broward and Palm Beach counties.
    Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 6 June 2026
  • Once considered competitive territory, the district was transformed into safe Republican ground after Democratic mapmakers packed it with conservative voters siphoned from neighboring GOP seats.
    Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • While all supplements are not without risk, colostrum remains one of the safer supplements to consume with limited side effects.
    Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
  • Data centers nationally consumed 17 billion gallons of water for cooling in 2023 — a figure that could quadruple by 2028, according to estimates from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
    Jack O'Connor, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2026
Verb
  • Mark, on a skateboard, and Jacob, also wearing inline skates, followed a little more than an arm’s length behind.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2026
  • There’s a similar amount of personality within Hadspen House, where a Roman bust wears a necklace of seashells and a snug room is decorated in the colors of the croquet set outside on the lawn.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Drain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drain. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

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