exhaust

verb

ig-ˈzȯst How to pronounce exhaust (audio)
Definition of exhaustnext
1
as in to tire
to use up all the physical energy of the long day at the county fair had exhausted everyone

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to drain
to make complete use of we had been at the theme park barely for two hours, and we were on the verge of exhausting our spending money

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 As a reference point, Brown pointed out that ACE was close to 250 in the hyperactive 2005 season that produced Hurricane Katrina almost twenty years ago and exhausted the name list. —Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025 Alerts are only activated when all other conventional law enforcement methods have been exhausted, DPS officials said. —Wren Smetana, AZCentral.com, 25 July 2025 After exhausting his water supply attempting to extinguish the fire, Goicochea started searching for victims. —Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 24 July 2025 Ferrell, who contended that their father wanted to be cremated, ultimately agreed to a settlement, reportedly after exhausting nearly $100,000 in legal fees and running out of funds to continue the fight. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 23 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for exhaust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exhaust
  1. tire
  2. drain
  3. wear
  4. spend
  5. kill
  6. consume
  7. bust
  8. reduce
Verb
  • Waves in rapid succession can tire swimmers quickly.
    — Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025
  • Physical and mental stimulation are both great ways to tire puppies out and prepare them to spend the evening in their kennel at home.
    — Jennifer Williams, CBS News, 3 July 2025
Definition of tire
Verb
  • Several of Yazan’s four older siblings also looked thin and drained.
    — Wafaa Shurafa, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2025
  • The answer is to stop dating men who drain your brilliance, and to start dating as the woman who chooses herself first.
    — Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Definition of drain
Verb
  • For her first walk down the aisle, Mel B wore a custom ivory gown designed by Josephine Scott.
    — Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 3 Aug. 2025
  • Like many fans in attendance, Ember was wearing Panthers gear almost as soon as she was born.
    — Emma Moon, Charlotte Observer, 3 Aug. 2025
Definition of wear
Verb
  • The low-budget indie production, which Zhou plans to direct, is scheduled to begin production in October and spend about three weeks filming.
    — Julie Hinds, Freep.com, 25 July 2025
  • Pyne spent 15 seasons there as a firefighter, some of them living in an old cabin built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
    — Tom Zoellner, AZCentral.com, 25 July 2025
Definition of spend
Verb
  • Over the next 85 days when drones were on patrol, only two were killed.
    — EW.com, EW.com, 4 Aug. 2025
  • This attempt by Texas Republicans was inserted into a special legislative session called by Gov. Abbott to address the deadly Hill Country floods that killed at least 136 people last month, which Texas Democrats decry as a bait-and-switch.
    — Liz Baker, NPR, 4 Aug. 2025
Definition of kill
Verb
  • And each switch requires the brain to reorient itself, which consumes mental energy and slows overall performance, Dr. Schiff explains.
    — Noma Nazish, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • Good Culture took advantage of its own viral moment with an ad campaign embracing the various ways of preparing and consuming its product.
    — Danielle Wiener-Bronner, CNN Money, 26 July 2025
Definition of consume
Verb
  • Gonzalez remained free as leaders of the gang stood trial for racketeering and murder last year, only to be busted on June 5.
    — John Annese, New York Daily News, 29 July 2025
  • The secondary badly busted a coverage, and Johnston ran wide open into the deep part of the field.
    — Daniel Popper, New York Times, 26 July 2025
Definition of bust
Verb
  • Do not follow large vehicles closely - Large vehicles like trucks or buses can create a spray of water that can reduce your visibility.
    — KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2025
  • Morning dopamine spikes from phone use reduce your motivation to pursue slower, more meaningful tasks later.
    — Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
Definition of reduce

Browse Nearby Words

exhaling
exhaust
exhausted
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exhaust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exhaust. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on exhaust

Nglish: Translation of exhaust for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about exhaust

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