1
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
2
as in to spend
to make complete use of
virtually drained the country's natural resources
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to kill
to use up all the physical energy of
the long hike drained us
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of drain
Emily Orofino, Vogue, 5 Feb. 2026
The idea was to drain the play clock so that Denver’s offense would have to operate under stress, without time for the quarterback, Jarrett Stidham, to survey the defense.
—Jacob Robinson, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 10 Feb. 2026
The easy solution to the practice’s energy drain, Scott says, is making sure that electricity is coming from renewable sources—a switch that snow towns everywhere from Quebec to the French Alps have already made.
—Simmone Shah, Time, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for drain
Verb
According to Braden, the best methods to increase lymph flow to drain fluid and waste from tissue are manual lymphatic drainage (using one’s hands) or using her proprietary lymphatic brushes.
—Emily Orofino, Vogue, 5 Feb. 2026
The idea was to drain the play clock so that Denver’s offense would have to operate under stress, without time for the quarterback, Jarrett Stidham, to survey the defense.
—Jacob Robinson, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Noun
Move in circular motions across the entire sink, including the sides, base, drain rim, and even the faucet base.
—Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 10 Feb. 2026
The easy solution to the practice’s energy drain, Scott says, is making sure that electricity is coming from renewable sources—a switch that snow towns everywhere from Quebec to the French Alps have already made.
—Simmone Shah, Time, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for drain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drain
Verb
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Both contributions were pumped into the Illinois Future PAC, a political action committee run by Pritzker allies that supports Stratton.—
Rick Pearson,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Feb. 2026
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Kagiyama highlighted Japan’s performances Saturday, pumping both fists after his program.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Harris, who spent part of his youth living on Navajo reservations where his mother was a teacher, took a Navajo Nation flag with him on the shuttle to raise awareness about issues faced by Native Americans.—
Arizona Republic,
AZCentral.com,
9 Feb. 2026
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The writer Michael Wolff, meanwhile — the only journalist to have written about spending extensive time with Epstein — appears in the files sharing a draft of a profile with Epstein, and thanking him for a pair of shoes.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Democrats demanded new restrictions on federal immigration agents in exchange for voting to fund DHS after Alex Pretti was killed last month in Minneapolis.—
Riley Beggin,
Arkansas Online,
14 Feb. 2026
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Cuba said 32 of its citizens were killed in the attack.—
Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The farm also offers other events including a sweet pea maze (included with admission), $8 wagon tours, gold sluice mining, wine tasting, crafts, yoga, sound baths and more at additional cost.—
Marla Jo Fisher,
Oc Register,
7 Feb. 2026
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Eventually, the animals were clustered into a sluice-like enclosure, and then the animals would be extracted one by one.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
9 Dec. 2025
Noun
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Now, authorities are stepping in to slow the flow, introducing new restrictions aimed at curbing day-trip tourism.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
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From covering payroll during seasonal slowdowns to purchasing inventory, repairing equipment, or managing cash-flow gaps, access to flexible financing allows entrepreneurs to grow and adapt in an ever-changing marketplace.—
Julio Fuentes,
The Orlando Sentinel,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Israel accuses Hamas of running a black market in Gaza and has tightly controlled the entrance of aid into the territory, saying the measures are needed to prevent the militants from siphoning off aid and taxing goods.—
Julia Frankel,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Feb. 2026
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The deals involving prospects Robby Snelling, Adam Mazur, Dylan Lesko, Jarlin Susana and Robert Gasser have siphoned off much of the starting pitching talent that would have filled rotations in the upper levels.—
Jeff Sanders,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Next, consumed by stress, Howell had a heart attack.—
Rob Picheta,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
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The Liquor Commission voted to amend Heinen’s Class G2 liquor license to allow customers to consume alcoholic beverages on its patio space, which is connected to the market’s cafe area through sliding doors.—
Carolyn Stein,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Cody Powers said that his mother wore State Farm sweatshirts and T-shirts and entered every promotion the company offered.—
J.C. Hallman,
Oklahoman,
10 Feb. 2026
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Complex magazine also reported that the number may have served as a tribute to the singer's late uncle, who wore 64 as a football player.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Drain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drain. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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