DRAIN Synonyms: 167 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

drain 1 of 2

verb

ˈdrān

Definition of drain next

as in to pump

to remove (liquid) gradually or completely we drained the water from the tank before cleaning it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to spend

to make complete use of virtually drained the country's natural resources

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to kill

to use up all the physical energy of the long hike drained us

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

drain

2 of 2

noun

as in sluice

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in flow

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Then, in a wild spring runoff in 1905, the Colorado River blew out a diversion dam, and for the next three years the mighty Colorado drained into the Salton Sink. —

Dennis Hinkamp, The Denver Post, 5 Feb. 2025 Travel days can be draining, packed with long waits and lines – maybe even a delay or disruption. —

Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 4 Feb. 2025

Noun

How To Get Rid Of And Prevent Smells In A Stainless Steel Sink Smells often come from the garbage disposal or leftover debris in the drain. —

Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 24 Jan. 2025 The drop in pedestrian traffic caused by workers staying at home during the pandemic and continuing to work remotely has been a drain on the vibrancy and sense of security in the Financial District, which is depressing office leasing and hampering the neighborhood’s comeback, Sischo said. —

Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for drain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for drain

Verb

The actress complemented the dress with a pair of Christian Louboutin pumps in a similar, though darker, hue.

— Julia Teti, WWD, 10 Feb. 2025
But a couple of Gang Green’s defensive standouts are pumped to see what new head coach Aaron Glenn will do to take the D to a new level.

— Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 7 Feb. 2025