ATTRITION Synonyms: 12 Similar and Opposite Words

attrition

noun

ə-ˈtri-shən

as in erosion

a gradual weakening, loss, or destruction took the machinery out of operation since attrition had led to the main mechanism's breaking

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of attrition This year, February 24th marks the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which was supposed to be a three-day operation, but has devolved into a war of attrition. —

Sophie Spiegelberger, New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2026 The Russian attrition rate is high, Kuper said, comparing Moscow's army degradation to a sports team with multiple squads -- an A team, B team, C team and so on. —

David Brennan, ABC News, 24 Feb. 2026 The war remains defined by attrition, with neither side delivering a decisive blow and negotiations producing little progress. —

Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 24 Feb. 2026 Russia's war on Ukraine is a grinding war of attrition. —

Joanna Kakissis, NPR, 24 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for attrition

Recent Examples of Synonyms for attrition

erosion

Noun

In 1950, the wall was reconstructed to control erosion and create artificial beaches.

— Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 2 Mar. 2026
The erosion of America’s image is particularly striking for those old enough to hold earlier impressions in mind.

— Lavender Au, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026