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
Navel orange trees are happiest in full sun locations with well-draining soil. Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 4 July 2026 The floor sink beneath the 3-comp sink was draining slowly and observed unclean. Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado july 3, Sacbee.com, 3 July 2026
Noun
The same brain-drain has affected Venezuelan schools, which suffered serious teacher shortages before the earthquake. Max Saltman, CNN Money, 30 June 2026 Simply twist out the old drain, drop the new one in, and push it down to fit it snugly. Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 30 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
  • Massive explosions lit up the night sky as ballistic missiles and drones hammered parts of the city, killing at least 14 people in the city and three others in the surrounding region, with dozens more wounded, city officials said.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • Alicent and Helaena will be held prisoner until Aemond is found and killed.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 July 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
  • Normally, the onshore flow — a west-to-southwest wind that creates the ocean breeze and pushes air away from the coasts — would push the particulate matter with it.
    Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • This would let traffic flow, which is so necessary for the vitality and economy of Chicago; provide a safer route for bikers; and ease the frustration of all of those on the streets of Chicago.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 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
  • Every one of those calls consumes tokens and touches a system with its own permissions.
    Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • Public health data has taught us that alcohol, which can be fine when consumed in moderation, can be harmful to individual and societal health in excessive amounts.
    Adam Hoffer, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Drain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drain. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on drain

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster