What does "suction" mean?
A force which pushes matter from one space into another because the pressure inside the second space is lower than the pressure in the first.
Suction
/ˈsʌkʃən/ noun, verb, slang
noun, verb, slang ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A force which pushes matter from one space into another because the pressure inside the second space is lower than the pressure in the first.
- Grammar: suction is listed as noun, verb, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: aspirate, aspirating, aspiration, aspiration.
- Useful contrasts: blowing, deposit, discard.
- Usage evidence: Sea lampreys attach to fish with a suction cup mouth ringed with sharp teeth.
How to use "suction"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "suction" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "suction" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "suction" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "suction" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "suction" is acting as noun, verb, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "aspirate" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "suction", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A force which pushes matter from one space into another because the pressure inside the second space is lower than the pressure in the first. uncountable, usually
- 2 the act of sucking wordnet
- 3 A force holding two objects together because the pressure in the space between the items is lower than the pressure outside that space. uncountable, usually
- 4 a force over an area produced by a pressure difference wordnet
- 5 The process of creating an imbalance in pressure to draw matter from one place to another. uncountable, usually
"The first-named group — the insects that live by suction — include the scale insects, aphides, and sucking bugs[…]"
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 A device for removing saliva from a patient's mouth during dental operations, a saliva ejector. uncountable, usually
- 7 influence; "pull". informal, uncountable, usually
"He's got some kind of suction with the Mayor's office."
Verb
- 1 To create an imbalance in pressure between one space and another in order to draw matter between the spaces.
- 2 empty or clean (a body cavity) by the force of suction wordnet
- 3 To draw out the contents of a space.
- 4 remove or draw away by the force of suction wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"Sea lampreys attach to fish with a suction cup mouth ringed with sharp teeth."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "suction"?
Common synonyms include: aspirate, aspirating, aspiration, aspiration, aspiration tool, aspirations.
How do you use "suction" in a sentence?
Sea lampreys attach to fish with a suction cup mouth ringed with sharp teeth.
How do you pronounce "suction"?
Pronounced /ˈsʌkʃən/.
Etymology
From Latin sūctiō, attested since Late Latin and derived from sūgō (“to suck”). Attested in English since the early 17th century.