drain

10 synonyms and 2 antonyms for drain, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — A pipe or channel that carries away unwanted liquid.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

empty

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

exhaust sap bleed drainage

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

deplete siphon drainpipe debilitate enfeeble

Synonyms by Meaning

1. noun

A pipe or channel that carries away unwanted liquid.

“A small drain in the shower floor carries the water away.”

empty deplete exhaust sap siphon bleed drainage drainpipe

2. verb

To cause liquid to flow away, or for liquid to flow away, from something.

“Let the bath drain completely before you scrub the tub.”

debilitate enfeeble

Opposites

fill

3. verb

To gradually use up someone's energy, money, or resources.

“Constant worry can drain your strength before the day has even begun.”

Opposites

replenish

How to use drain

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

drain the pool drain of energy a drain on resources down the drain

Etymology

From Old English dreahnian, related to Old English drygan, "to dry."

Full origin of drain →

Frequently asked questions

What does “drain” mean?

The word “drain” means a pipe or channel that carries away unwanted liquid. In plain terms, to let liquid flow away, or to slowly use up energy or money.

How do you pronounce “drain”?

“Drain” is pronounced drayn (/dɹiːn/ in IPA).

How do you use “drain” in a sentence?

Here is “drain” used in a sentence: “Leaves clogged the drain outside the house.”

What part of speech is “drain”?

Depending on how it is used, “drain” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “drain” come from?

The word “drain” comes from Old English. From Old English dreahnian, related to Old English drygan, "to dry.".

Is “drain” a common word?

“Drain” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “drain” have?

“Drain” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a pipe or channel that carries away unwanted liquid.

What is the difference between a drain and a sewer?

A drain is a pipe or channel that carries unwanted liquid away from a building or area, while a sewer is the larger system that collects wastewater from many drains. In UK plumbing terminology, a drain typically serves a single property and a sewer serves more than one.

People also searched

fill empty drainage exhaust bleed sap debilitate deplete siphon drainpipe replenish

Nearby words

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