Synonyms of erode

erode

verb

i-ˈrōd 

1

as in to eat

to consume or wear away gradually

the fear that inflation will continue to erode people's savings

Synonyms & Similar Words

• eat
• destroy
• corrode
• ruin
• bite (at)
• gnaw
• dissolve
• decompose
• disintegrate
• wreck
• fret
• nibble
• decimate
• waste
• devastate
• break down
• break up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• restore
• revive
• renew
• revitalize
• regenerate
• rejuvenate
• refresh
• recreate
• freshen
• refreshen

2

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

• wear
• fray
• reduce
• rub
• erase
• sharpen
• shave
• scrape
• bite
• abrade
• eat
• disintegrate
• chafe
• gall
• corrade
• gnaw
• chew
• corrode
• decompose
• fret
• scour
• dissolve
• file
• frazzle
• graze
• wipe (away)
• wear out
• grate
• nibble
• rasp
• sandblast
• grind
• rub out
• hone
• sandpaper
• scuff
• whet
• break down
• break up

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of erode

Only ozone shows clear progress away from the planetary boundary as a result of the success of the Montreal Protocol, which set up the phasing out of the chemicals that erode Earth’s protective ozone layer. — Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, 21 Sep. 2026

Tybee’s beaches are more than 60% eroded, but widespread federal budget cuts pushed back relief for at least another year. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 21 Sep. 2026

The era of elevated inflation that began during the COVID pandemic has eroded the value of $100,000 to the point that Americans earning that much are hunting for bargains like everyone else. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2026

When the water receded, the cliffs were exposed and began eroding, revealing prehistoric remains. — Katie Riley, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2026