WASTE Synonyms | 19 Similar Words (With Examples)

You probably use the word ‘waste’ a lot without thinking about it. In this article, we will explore 19 fun synonyms for waste. Words like ‘squander’, ‘throw away’, and ‘misuse’ can spice up your sentences. You will see examples too, so it is easy and enjoyable to try them in your own writing.

Squander

Squander means to use something carelessly or waste it without thinking. People often squander money, time, or opportunities. It is a word that shows someone did not value what they had. If you want to talk about careless use, this is a great choice. You can use it in daily life to describe both small and big mistakes. It makes your writing sound natural and clear.

• He squandered his free time watching TV all day.
• They squandered their chance to win the game.
• Don't squander your talent by staying lazy.

Throw away

Throw away is simple and common. It means to get rid of something you do not need. You can throw away trash, old clothes, or even bad ideas. It is easy to use and people understand it immediately. When you say throw away, it often shows something is no longer useful. It can also mean wasting an opportunity in some situations.

• She threw away the empty boxes.
• Don't throw away your dreams just because of failure.
• He threw away the broken chair.

Misuse

Misuse is when you use something the wrong way. It can be objects, resources, or even information. Misuse shows carelessness or wrong judgment. People misapply tools, money, or even advice sometimes. Using this word can make your sentence more precise when talking about wrong actions. It often warns others about careful use.

• The students misused the laboratory equipment.
• She misused the company's money.
• Don't misuse your privileges at work.

Dissipate

Dissipate is a nice word to show slow wasting or disappearing. It can describe energy, heat, or resources. When something dissipates, it is gradually lost. You can use it to make your writing more descriptive. It shows a natural process of waste or disappearance over time. It works well for both physical and abstract ideas.

• The fog dissipated after sunrise.
• He let his energy dissipate by sitting all day.
• The crowd's excitement slowly dissipated.

Fritter away

Fritter away is a fun phrase for wasting little by little. People often fritter away money or time without noticing. It shows a slow and careless loss. This phrase adds a casual tone to writing and talking. It can warn others to be careful with resources. It also reminds us that small wastes can add up over time.

• She frittered away her allowance on candy.
• Don't fritter away your weekends on nothing.
• He frittered away his savings on small treats.

Lavish

Lavish is when someone spends or gives too much. It can be money, attention, or gifts. Lavish shows excess or abundance. It is often positive, but sometimes it can show waste if it is unnecessary. People lavish gifts on friends or family, and it can feel warm or careless depending on context.

• She lavished attention on her pet.
• He lavished money on the new house.
• They lavished praise on the young artist.

Blow

Blow is a casual way to say waste, especially money or chances. People often blow money on unimportant things. It can also mean wasting time or effort. This word is common in conversation and sounds friendly. Using blow makes your sentence short and easy to understand. It shows quick loss without much thought.

• He blew his paycheck on video games.
• She blew the chance to meet her favorite singer.
• Don't blow your opportunity by being late.

Deplete

Deplete means to use up resources completely. People deplete food, energy, or money. It shows a serious kind of waste because nothing is left. This word can make your sentence feel strong and urgent. It works for both natural and personal resources. Using deplete can show the importance of saving or careful use.

• They depleted all the water in the well.
• The storm depleted the village's food supply.
• Don't deplete your energy before the race.

Consume

Consume is to use something completely. It can be energy, food, or resources. When you consume, there is nothing left to save. People often consume without thinking, which is why it shows waste. This word can also show enjoyment, but the loss side is clear. Using consume makes your writing clear about complete use.

• The fire consumed the whole building.
• He consumed all his snacks in one day.
• Don't consume your savings too fast.

Exhaust

Exhaust shows using up all energy or resources. It can be physical, mental, or material. When someone is exhausted, nothing is left. It is a strong word that shows total loss. People often feel exhausted after work or challenges. Using it gives a serious tone when describing waste or overuse.

• She exhausted all her energy running.
• The company exhausted its budget too early.
• He exhausted his options and gave up.

Throw out

Throw out is when you get rid of something useless. It can be garbage, broken items, or ideas. Throw out is common in daily life and easy to use. It also sometimes means rejecting chances or advice. This phrase shows waste because the thing is no longer useful or needed.

• Please throw out the old magazines.
• Don't throw out your chance to learn.
• He threw out the spoiled food.

Burn up

Burn up means destroy by fire or completely use something. It can be physical objects or resources. Burn up shows quick and total waste. It is dramatic and clear. Using this phrase can make your sentence more vivid. People often burn up papers, trash, or wood.

• The papers were burned up in the fireplace.
• The campfire burned up all the sticks.
• He burned up his old notebooks.

Overuse

Overuse is when something is used too much. It can be resources, words, or objects. Overuse shows carelessness and waste. People often overuse phones, medicine, or water. Using this word warns about negative effects of too much use. It is simple but effective in conversation or writing.

• She overused the paint and ran out quickly.
• Don't overuse your phone every day.
• He overused the sugar in the recipe.

Squash

Squash can mean destroy or ruin something. It is often about chances, ideas, or opportunities. Squash shows waste because something good is lost. People squash mistakes or problems by ignoring them. Using squash gives action to the sentence. It can show carelessness or accident.

• The rain squashed their picnic plans.
• He squashed the chance to speak up.
• Don't squash your creativity with fear.

Waste away

Waste away is when something slowly loses strength or value. It is often used for health, resources, or buildings. It shows a long-term type of waste. People or things waste away when not cared for. Using waste away can make your writing emotional and descriptive. It is gentle but clear about loss.

• The old house wasted away over time.
• He wasted away due to illness.
• Don't let your skills waste away.

Degrade

Degrade is to reduce value or quality. It can be food, material, or even reputation. Degrade shows waste in a serious way. When something degrades, it becomes worse and less useful. Using degrade makes your sentence clear about loss or damage. It can be about physical objects or abstract ideas.

• The sunlight degraded the paint on the walls.
• Bad habits can degrade your health.
• Don't degrade the quality of your work.

Misapply

Misapply is using something wrongly. It can be tools, advice, or resources. Misapply shows someone did not know how to use things properly. It is often a mistake leading to waste. Using misapply makes your sentence precise. It also warns about careful use.

• He misapplied the glue and ruined the project.
• Don't misapply the instructions on the form.
• She misapplied the rules in the game.

Idle

Idle is doing nothing useful. It can be time, resources, or energy. Idling shows waste because nothing productive happens. People often idle at work, home, or school. Using idle can warn or describe carelessness. It makes your writing friendly but serious.

• He idled his afternoon instead of studying.
• Don't idle your talent by ignoring practice.
• They idled the machine all day.

Lose

Lose means fail to keep or hold something. It can be opportunities, objects, or chances. Losing shows waste because something valuable is gone. People often lose items, time, or chances without noticing. Using lose makes your writing simple and direct. It can show regret or warning.

• She lost her chance to join the team.
• Don't lose your keys again.
• He lost all the money he saved.

Final Thoughts

Using different words for waste makes your sentences more lively. Each synonym has its own feeling and use. Try them in your daily talk or writing. It is fun to see which one fits best. Don't forget, being mindful of waste is good advice too. Explore, play, and enjoy these words while writing.