as in to erode
to consume or wear away gradually
time has gnawed that author's reputation to the point where he rates little more than a footnote
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Recent Examples of gnaw
Using its large, continuously growing incisors — which resemble those of rodents more than those of other primates — the aye-aye starts to gnaw its way through the wood.
—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2026
Pastor John Mark Comer has won a massive audience by encouraging his followers to free themselves from the gnawing sense that there is always more to do, Nancy Walecki writes.
—
David A. Graham,
The Atlantic,
27 Apr. 2026
Voles are likely to blame when previously-healthy plantings topple over for no apparent reason or when a tree is girdled around its base from gnawing.
—
Arricca Elin Sansone,
Southern Living,
19 Apr. 2026
If for some reason a coral snake does gnaw on you, its venom can cause paralysis.
—
Nicole Villalpando,
Austin American Statesman,
30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gnaw
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2026
Pastor John Mark Comer has won a massive audience by encouraging his followers to free themselves from the gnawing sense that there is always more to do, Nancy Walecki writes.
—
David A. Graham,
The Atlantic,
27 Apr. 2026
Voles are likely to blame when previously-healthy plantings topple over for no apparent reason or when a tree is girdled around its base from gnawing.
—
Arricca Elin Sansone,
Southern Living,
19 Apr. 2026
If for some reason a coral snake does gnaw on you, its venom can cause paralysis.
—
Nicole Villalpando,
Austin American Statesman,
30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gnaw
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gnaw
Verb
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That pressure erodes well-being, undermines family life, and disproportionately impacts working parents and caregivers.
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Starmer is leaving after two years in office marred by missteps and judgment errors that eroded his standing with his party and the public.
Verb
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While oysters in space appear to be a newer research opportunity, Harrisburg states that humans have been eating these creatures for 100,000 years, based on archaeology findings.
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Is low-carb or low-fat eating healthier for your heart?
Cite this Entry
“Gnaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gnaw. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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