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Definitions

consume

[kuhn-soom] / kənˈsum /
VERB
use up
Synonyms
STRONGEST
absorb deplete devour dominate drain eat up employ exhaust expend obsess preoccupy spend waste
STRONG
apply dissipate drivel engross finish go lavish lessen monopolize squander trifle utilize vanish
WEAK
avail oneself of finish up fritter away frivol away go through have recourse to profit by put away put to use run out of run through throw away wash up wear out
Antonyms
STRONGEST
fill save
STRONG
appear create hoard
WEAK
accumulate build collect construct fast gather neglect not use starve store
VERB
eat, drink
Synonyms
STRONGEST
absorb devour eat up feed guzzle ingest inhale swallow
STRONG
Hoover bolt down gobble gorge gulp ingurgitate mow nibble partake punish scarf snack swill take wolf
WEAK
chow down meal polish off put away put down stuff one's face toss down
Antonyms
STRONG
abstain nibble
WEAK
accumulate build collect construct fast gather neglect not use starve store
VERB
destroy
Synonyms
STRONGEST
devastate eat up exhaust expend overwhelm ravage ruin waste
STRONG
annihilate crush decay demolish extinguish raze suppress wreck
WEAK
lay waste
Antonyms
STRONGEST
build construct create help save
STRONG
encourage let go release repair
WEAK
accumulate collect fast gather neglect not use starve store

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“All the things that we consume in our daily lives come from China.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 2026

That’s based on an assumed fuel bill of $4.50 per gallon, and the expectation it will consume 297 million gallons this quarter.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026

"We consume an enormous amount of power," she said.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026

Large data centers already consume vast amounts of power and require significant water for cooling.

From Science Daily • Apr. 18, 2026

Attempts to quarantine Georgia are unsuccessful, and the new Fixers, whose sole function is to replicate, consume the entire planet in three days, leaving behind nothing but an ocean of gray goo.

From "We Are the Ants" by Shaun David Hutchinson

Vocabulary lists containing consume

Eat Your Words

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"Julius Caesar" by William Shakespeare, Act II

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Number the Stars

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!