exhaust

Synonym Chooser

How is the word exhaust distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of exhaust are fatigue, jade, tire, and weary. While all these words mean "to make or become unable or unwilling to continue," exhaust implies complete draining of strength by hard exertion.

shoveling snow exhausted him

In what contexts can fatigue take the place of exhaust?

Although the words fatigue and exhaust have much in common, fatigue suggests great lassitude from excessive strain or undue effort.

fatigued by the day's chores

When can jade be used instead of exhaust?

The words jade and exhaust are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, jade suggests the loss of all freshness and eagerness.

appetites jaded by overindulgence

When could tire be used to replace exhaust?

The meanings of tire and exhaust largely overlap; however, tire implies a draining of one's strength or patience.

the long ride tired us out

Where would weary be a reasonable alternative to exhaust?

While in some cases nearly identical to exhaust, weary stresses tiring until one is unable to endure more of the same thing.

wearied of the constant arguing

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 exhaust He and four other long-term prisoners were freed because state attorneys whose offices originally convicted them now have conviction review units to hear pleas from convicts who had exhausted their appeals in the courts. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2025 Frankly, Angelina is exhausted, but she is relieved this one part is over. Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2025 In summary: The Hurricanes had to replace both of their starting safeties from 2024 after Mishael Powell exhausted his collegiate eligibility and Jaden Harris transferred to Georgia. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 10 Aug. 2025 The choice is whether to exhaust yourself trying to conduct every note or to lay down a rhythm that enables your entire team to create something extraordinary together. Michael Hudson, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for exhaust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exhaust
Verb
  • There's no worry of slipping, rolling ankles, or tiring your feet while sprinting, stopping, or changing direction across the court either.
    Molly Harris, Travel + Leisure, 2 July 2025
  • Procedures at the clinic sometimes ran through the night—the record for the latest was four in the morning—but Terrazas never seemed to tire.
    Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 28 July 2025
Verb
  • City worries removing Marion County residency requirement would drain taxes Since 1977, most people hired for a full-time or part-time role in city-county government have been required to move to Marion County within six months of accepting the job.
    Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 31 Aug. 2025
  • Hours-long team cohesion gatherings be draining for some members of a team, especially those who lean toward introversion.
    Rebecca Fraser-Thill, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Banks was described as wearing a black knit hat, black sweatshirt, black pants, and a face mask.
    Naperville Sun, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2025
  • Boot Barn is the largest western and work wear retailer in the nation, according to Boot Barn Marketing Specialist Tanna Doyel.
    Ruby Grisin, The Courier-Journal, 28 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • More than 2,000 filmmakers, technicians, audio experts and AI creatives spent two years reilluminating Dorothy Gale’s adventure into a gleaming spectacle that will move you – literally and emotionally.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2025
  • The 70-year-old man had spent every weekend at the cottage for 28 years, drinking entirely from the well.
    Austin Corona, AZCentral.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The other two students who were killed were Mogen’s childhood best friend Kaylee Goncalves and Chapin’s girlfriend, Xana Kernodle.
    Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 29 Aug. 2025
  • The importance of flood insurance and homeowners insurance was underscored this summer when deadly flash floods killed dozens in central Texas.
    Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Cities and towns can remove arsenic from groundwater, but some rural communities and isolated homes can’t afford those options, leaving residents to consume polluted water or haul it in from elsewhere.
    Austin Corona, AZCentral.com, 30 Aug. 2025
  • Individuals with kidney issues should be cautious about consuming excessive electrolyte water.
    Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 30 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • That’s why Republicans passed their deficit busting billionaire bailout budget in the dead of night.
    Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Sun Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2025
  • However, boom turned to bust in the 2010s as global commodity prices plunged.
    Mollie J. Cohen, The Conversation, 18 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • An older test tube study found that Essiac tea could reduce harmful molecules called free radicals and protect DNA from damage.
    Lindsey DeSoto, Health, 31 Aug. 2025
  • Their antenna can dynamically adjust the frequency range by reconfiguring its shape to adapt to changing environmental conditions, reducing the need for multiple antennas, according to a forthcoming paper in The Proceedings of UIST'25.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Exhaust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exhaust. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.

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