IMPOVERISH Synonyms: 45 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'impoverish' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of impoverish are bankrupt , deplete , drain , and exhaust . While all these words mean "to deprive of something essential to existence or potency," impoverish suggests a deprivation of something essential to richness or productiveness. // impoverished soil

Q: When would 'bankrupt' be a good substitute for 'impoverish'?

In some situations, the words bankrupt and impoverish are roughly equivalent. However, bankrupt suggests impoverishment to the point of imminent collapse. // war had bankrupted the nation of resources

Q: When might 'deplete' be a better fit than 'impoverish'?

The meanings of deplete and impoverish largely overlap; however, deplete implies a reduction in number or quantity so as to endanger the ability to function. // depleting our natural resources

Q: When can 'drain' be used instead of 'impoverish'?

While in some cases nearly identical to impoverish , drain implies a gradual withdrawal and ultimate deprivation of what is necessary to an existence. // personal tragedy had drained him of all spirit

Q: In what contexts can 'exhaust' take the place of 'impoverish'?

The words exhaust and impoverish are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exhaust stresses a complete emptying. // her lecture exhausted the subject

impoverish

verb

Definition of impoverish next

as in to pauperize

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to deplete

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word impoverish distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of impoverish are bankrupt, deplete, drain, and exhaust. While all these words mean "to deprive of something essential to existence or potency," impoverish suggests a deprivation of something essential to richness or productiveness.

impoverished soil

When would bankrupt be a good substitute for impoverish?

In some situations, the words bankrupt and impoverish are roughly equivalent. However, bankrupt suggests impoverishment to the point of imminent collapse.

war had bankrupted the nation of resources

When might deplete be a better fit than impoverish?

The meanings of deplete and impoverish largely overlap; however, deplete implies a reduction in number or quantity so as to endanger the ability to function.

depleting our natural resources

When can drain be used instead of impoverish?

While in some cases nearly identical to impoverish, drain implies a gradual withdrawal and ultimate deprivation of what is necessary to an existence.

personal tragedy had drained him of all spirit

In what contexts can exhaust take the place of impoverish?

The words exhaust and impoverish are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exhaust stresses a complete emptying.

her lecture exhausted the subject

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 impoverish This marginalization impoverishes global scholarship, narrowing the diversity of perspectives needed to tackle complex challenges for businesses who sometimes have the best intentions. —

Hec Paris Insights, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024 That a short-term judgment about what the market will bear can choke off a literary legacy and, to some extent, impoverish a culture. —

Mark Athitakis, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 2024 The National Council on Aging has found that 80% of older adults would be unable to absorb a financial shock — such as the need for long-term care — without impoverishing themselves. —

Jane Tavares, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2024 Even without ceremony, shaming is a universal way small groups discourage anti-social behavior—especially when the pursuit of self-interest endangers or impoverishes the group as a whole. —

John C. Goodman, Forbes, 19 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for impoverish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for impoverish

Verb

North La Jolla kelp is severely depleted while south La Jolla kelp beds are healthy.

— Kurt Hoffman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Jan. 2025
Without much soil to hold moisture, the plant will quickly deplete what there is.

— Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Jan. 2025