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
Just let the hose wash the fish for 10 minutes or so to drain away as much slime as possible, then wipe the fish down with paper towels before putting it on the cutting board. Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 25 June 2026 Ensure it is potted in well-draining soil and only water when the soil feels dry. Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 25 June 2026
Noun
Phorid fly infestations inside typically come from a drain. Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 28 June 2026 On a recent visit, the water traversed a smoky 10-foot canyon of charred foam and twisted wall panels on its way to the drain. Mack Baysinger follow, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for drain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drain
Verb
  • The Willy Chavarria show was air-conditioned, pumped with Xinú perfume and felt expensive.
    Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • Brake gently as needed - Brake normally if the vehicle has anti-lock brakes and pump brakes gently if in an older vehicle.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • During our time away, our neighbors visited with us at the hospital, looked after our house and came over daily to feed and spend time with our cat.
    Dawn M. Turner, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • American doctors are so conspicuously well-paid that a group of economic researchers spent years trying to figure out why.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Verb
  • The mother of a man killed by a hit-and-run driver while riding his bike in Manhattan is demanding justice for her son.
    Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 27 June 2026
  • The one-two punch wreaked massive destruction throughout the region, killing at least 235 and wounding more than 4,300.
    Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 27 June 2026
Noun
  • Dam Removal Europe found that the number of dams dismantled in 2025, along with other water-flow controls like weirs, culverts and sluices, grew by 11% from the year before.
    Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 3 June 2026
  • 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
Noun
  • He Tingbo has explained the logic through the example of Dujiangyan, the ancient irrigation system in Sichuan that solved a water-distribution problem by redirecting flow rather than overpowering it.
    Mark Greeven, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
  • Changes can be large enough to make a well flow at land surface, or to cause a well to go dry near an earthquake.
    Mark Price June 27, Charlotte Observer, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • Advertisement But the recent surge of new groups has confused CEOs, donors, and other key constituencies by pursuing often wildly divergent messages and contradictory agendas, inadvertently establishing circular firing squads, undermining unity, and siphoning resources from credible expert voices.
    Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 28 June 2026
  • But the days of weak attempts to siphon your information are over.
    Jacqueline Munis, Fortune, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • Certain people should be especially mindful about consuming chocolate chips.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 27 June 2026
  • Some blooms can be consumed or mixed into elixirs, bringing aesthetic charm, subtle flavor, and wellness benefits to your dishes and routine.
    Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Martha Stewart, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • But on Wednesday, the day after Mexico beat Ecuador 2-0 to secure its fourth consecutive World Cup victory, the fan and his wife, Angélica Arias, walked to the plaza wearing two identical caps.
    Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
  • And even though Georgia law does not require this, all cyclists and scooterists should wear helmets.
    Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 5 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Drain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drain. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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