DEPLETING Synonyms: 120 Similar and Opposite Words

depleting

verb

present participle of deplete

as in draining

to make complete use of miners depleted the vein of copper ore after only a few months

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in reducing

to make smaller in amount, volume, or extent disease and battlefield casualties had depleted troop strength to dangerously low levels

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 depleting Authorities were wary of depleting China’s supply and someday becoming dependent on imports, as the country is for oil and gas. — Gloria Xiong, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026 Persistent overuse combined with a record-dry winter and rising temperatures have been depleting both Lake Powell and Lake Mead. — ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026 As of now, many have feared the chips instead look like a rapidly depreciating, and thus depleting, pile of graphics processors that will need more and more capital to finance. — Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2026 That included the risk of dangerously depleting the number of defensive interceptor missiles available to the military’s Central Command, which is responsible for operations in the Middle East. — Jonathan Lemire, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026 Taittinger’s focus on high‑touch hospitality, long‑term relationship building and strict adherence to family heritage shows building global advocacy off a World Cup platform can happen without depleting margins or diluting the maison’s identity. — Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026 The president and his advisers, the newspaper said, have concerns about expanding the conflict, depleting defense stockpiles, alienating Middle East Gulf allies and affecting energy supplies and the global economy. — Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 26 July 2026 Four centuries later, in the mid-20th century, China’s government similarly encouraged people to eradicate over a billion sparrows to prevent them from depleting grain supplies. — Elan Abrell, The Conversation, 22 July 2026 In the past, owner Arte Moreno prevented his GMs from depleting the major league roster of controllable players. — Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 21 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for depleting

Verb

Libra September 23 – October 22 The routine that keeps draining you may need a more compassionate rhythm.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
The law paved the way for thousands of victims to sue their abusers but has been criticized for draining the coffers of local governments.

— Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of draining

Verb

According to a news release, the program will track attendance and behavioral data with the primary goals being to improve school attendance and student grades while potentially reducing psychiatric hospitalizations.

— Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
That could lower capital and operating costs while reducing safety risks during production.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of reducing

Verb

Studies have proven that regularly consuming whole grains has a positive effect on health, reducing certain markers that indicate chronic inflammation.

— Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Aug. 2026
The cooking process greatly reduces that risk, as does storing the cooked garlic and oil at a temperature below 38° and consuming them within 2 weeks.

— Jeremy Fox, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of consuming

Verb

Parton didn’t stop with Dollywood By the early 1990s, Parton created The Dollywood Foundation with the goal of decreasing the high school drop out rate in Sevier County, which was hovering around 30%.

— Kimberlee Kruesi, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026
Over several days, gradually increase the proportion of the new food while decreasing the old food.

— Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of decreasing

Verb

He was allowed to leave the country, spending weeks at a rehab facility in Switzerland.

— Bob Harkins, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
In the sweet snaps, the mother-son duo could be seen spending time together on the beach, posing after a tennis lesson and hanging out on vacation.

— Georgia Slater, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of spending

Verb

The everyday cost of war Six months of conflict and severe economic hardship have made daily life exhausting for regular Iranians.

— Greg Myre, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026
For Cameron, who spent decades exhausting HIV treatment options as his virus developed resistance, among the biggest benefits may be that the two-drug regimen effectively controls his virus while exposing him to fewer medications.

— Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of exhausting

Verb

The second piece is a shock-absorbing landing gear – 38 friction disks that soak up the force of impact so the drone doesn't bounce.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 Sep. 2026
Parents may feel uncomfortable with how much technology their children are absorbing, but feel the need to trust the teachers.

— Perry Rettig, AJC.com, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of absorbing

Verb

The Ross Fire burning west of Fort Worth in Palo Pinto County appears to be holding steady at around 85,000 acres and 26% containment Friday, according to Texas A&M Forest Service officials.

— Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2026
Planet-heating emissions from burning fossil fuels such as oil, gas and coal are the primary driver of climate change.

— Ava Berger, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of burning

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“Depleting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/depleting. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of depleting

verb

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