ERODE Synonyms: 56 Similar and Opposite Words

erode

verb

i-ˈrōd

Definition of erode

as in to eat

to consume or wear away gradually the fear that inflation will continue to erode people's savings

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to wear

to damage or diminish by continued friction the winds and desert sands have eroded much of the original surface of these ancient monuments

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 erode Even those seemingly small charges can slowly erode your balance over time. — Becca Stanek, TheWeek, 13 Nov. 2026 These organizational risks are difficult to see or measure but capable of eroding the energy, commitment and voice that organizations depend on. — Gethin Nadin, Forbes.com, 12 Nov. 2026 California’s coast is eroding, but beachfront homes are still worth millions. — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 12 Nov. 2026 But the vulnerable island has eroded substantially since the 1960s, according to federal maps, especially on the western side, where Pruitt grew up. — John Anglim, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for erode

Recent Examples of Synonyms for erode

Verb

Caraballeda’s tropical, beachfront climate could have been a factor, as well as possible impurities in the concrete used, which can eat away at the metal bars.

— Avery Schmitz, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2026
The Anti-Defamation League, meanwhile, has urged residents to eat at the restaurants targeted by the demonstration, describing the campaign as an effort to intimidate Philadelphia’s Jewish community.

— Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of eat

Verb

According to police and fire department accounts, Banks, who was wearing only underwear, was acting erratically and attempted to rob other citizens before officers arrived.

— Brian Maass, CBS News, 13 Nov. 2026
Into this eclectic circle comes Leland, an Alabama man who wears his particular brand of Christianity on his sleeve and has endured more than his fair share of tragedy.

— Matthew J. Palm, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Nov. 2026

Definition of wear

Verb

Early molten salt methods failed to keep the salt bath from corroding the valuable silicon substrate.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2026
The problem, however, is its high chloride content, which can corrode electrodes and other electrolyzer components, and also trigger unwanted reactions that produce toxic chlorine compounds.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of corrode

Verb

Others accused the governor of reducing the death penalty sentences to seek an advantage in the 2028 presidential election.

— Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026
Limiting electric boost primarily to these high-power phases reduces the amount of battery capacity—and battery weight—the aircraft must carry.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of reduce

Verb

For small spots and stains, gently rub them with an art gum eraser.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2026
The simplest answer to how to wash fruits and veggies is to start with clean hands, then rinse produce under cool running water while rubbing it for about 20 seconds.

— Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of rub

Verb

But the reaction to his posts shows how quickly real questions about governance get erased when an athlete delivers them without discipline.

— Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2026
Portland's big lead was erased in the third quarter when the Lakers scored 17 consecutive points.

— ABC News, ABC News, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of erase

Browse Nearby Words

ermines

erode

eroded

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Erode.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/erode. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of erode

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on erode

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

boilerplate

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

31 Useful Rhetorical Devices

More Commonly Misspelled Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Popular in Wordplay

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Nov. 13

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes