as in to struggle
to devote serious and sustained effort
the design team has been banging away at that project for months
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bang away
To heat-style, blow-dry curtain bangs away from the face, sweeping them from side to side with a paddle brush.
—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
InStyle,
9 June 2026
Brian Cashman gets it all the time, but good, from Yankee fans; for them, banging away at Cashman on social media feels like the real national pastime.
—
Mike Lupica,
New York Daily News,
16 Aug. 2025
Former staff leaked internal spats and embarrassing editorial ideas by the new leadership and pointed out that many top leaders were banging away at stories that were likely below their pay grade.
—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
9 June 2025
One of the roadies came out to bang away on the piano, the notes more felt than heard, part of the noise.
—
Rob Sheffield,
Rolling Stone,
29 Sep. 2024
As several drummers banged away, Vázquez danced near a table and teammates clapped along to the music, including a spirited effort from Royce Lewis.
—
Dan Hayes,
The Athletic,
16 Aug. 2024
Norton remembers banging away on his dad’s Smith Corona typewriter in the den.
—
Cynthia Billhartz Gregorian,
Kansas City Star,
31 Jan. 2024
The manager demonstrated how to use the rock hammers, and then people got to banging away, trying to find opals in the rock.
—
Marla Jo Fisher,
Orange County Register,
31 Jan. 2024
Ariel Wodarcyk,
InStyle,
9 June 2026
Brian Cashman gets it all the time, but good, from Yankee fans; for them, banging away at Cashman on social media feels like the real national pastime.
—
Mike Lupica,
New York Daily News,
16 Aug. 2025
Former staff leaked internal spats and embarrassing editorial ideas by the new leadership and pointed out that many top leaders were banging away at stories that were likely below their pay grade.
—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
9 June 2025
One of the roadies came out to bang away on the piano, the notes more felt than heard, part of the noise.
—
Rob Sheffield,
Rolling Stone,
29 Sep. 2024
As several drummers banged away, Vázquez danced near a table and teammates clapped along to the music, including a spirited effort from Royce Lewis.
—
Dan Hayes,
The Athletic,
16 Aug. 2024
Norton remembers banging away on his dad’s Smith Corona typewriter in the den.
—
Cynthia Billhartz Gregorian,
Kansas City Star,
31 Jan. 2024
The manager demonstrated how to use the rock hammers, and then people got to banging away, trying to find opals in the rock.
—
Marla Jo Fisher,
Orange County Register,
31 Jan. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bang away
Verb
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Amid the mutiny in the House, Johnson canceled unrelated votes, struggling to get enough support to move the legislation.
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The Pirates posted a six-run fifth inning against struggling starter Aaron Nola (3-5).
Verb
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On the same pitch earlier, South Africa labored past Bangladesh by four wickets and waited for India's fate.
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In the days since posting the news, Mitchell has continued to update her followers about the aftermath and the start of the healing process, including videos of herself laboring.
Verb
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When technology lowers the cost of doing something, companies always strive to do more.
-
For example, business functions strive for growth, while development teams focus on functionality.
Verb
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She has also been spotted working as a substitute anchor for various personnel, particularly on weekends.
-
While bouncing between the G League and the NBA, James worked with coaches on developing his shooting confidence, quick decision-making and defensive ability.
Cite this Entry
“Bang away.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bang%20away. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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