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 Analysts cited stagnant comparable sales growth and eroding operating margins, mentioning competition from the likes of Walmart and Club name Costco . — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 9 July 2026 His biggest failure has been the miscommunication and handling of the Epstein files, which eroded public trust. — Brent Andersen, Sun Sentinel, 9 July 2026 He was elected in a landslide in July 2024, but quit after two years in office marred by missteps and judgment errors that eroded his standing with his party and the public. — ABC News, 9 July 2026 The series depicts the anguish of an interrupted boyhood and the awakening of a child’s conscience as their safest spaces erode. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for erode

Recent Examples of Synonyms for erode

Verb

Don't forget to check the social media accounts of your local favorite eating spots for more deals.

— Mike Snider, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Many kinds of fly larvae eat dead or decaying tissue and may sometimes end up on meat, but New World screwworm larvae need living tissue to survive and develop.

— Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 5 July 2026

Definition of eat

Verb

On Saturday, while wearing a crisp, new black Portland Trail Blazers polo shirt, Morant talked of fresh starts, a rejuvenated and nature-loving version of himself and the desire to change narratives.

— Jason Quick, New York Times, 12 July 2026
Norwegian fans wore red and blue, Viking helmets and Haaland shirts.

— Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 12 July 2026

Definition of wear

Verb

That decision eliminated the creative accounting that has destroyed countless songwriting partnerships.

— Datwon Thomas, VIBE.com, 9 July 2026
The leaf-hopping insect destroyed more than 1,000 acres of grapevines in Northern California from 1994 to 2008, causing $30 million in damage, according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

— Lizzie Kane July 9, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2026

Definition of destroy

Verb

The band itself was fraying, with Stone recording much of the murky, druggy album in the attic of his Bel Air mansion.

— Al Shipley, SPIN, 7 July 2026
And considering how signing offer sheets can fray relations, there’s no guarantee Hayton would extend in Utah after all of this.

— Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 6 July 2026

Definition of fray

Verb

Our first commercial tactile gloves failed within a week because some people's hands are sweaty enough to corrode the wiring.

— Rushil Agarwal, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Affected cars have driver's side airbags with connectors that may corrode, which could cause the airbag to not deploy and increase the risk of injury or death.

— Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 25 June 2026

Definition of corrode

Verb

Derived from a Central African shrub, the drug's ability to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings were uncovered by accident, when Howard Lotsof, a 19-year old addicted to heroin, tried ibogaine out of curiosity in 1962.

— Gavin Escott, USA Today, 6 July 2026
Displaying tactical discipline and superior talent, the English national team defeated Mexico 3-2 with a lineup reduced to 10 men on Sunday night.

— Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

Definition of reduce

Verb

An agitator is a post in the machine’s center that twists so the clothes can rub against each other, while impellers have a cone or disc on the bottom of the drum that spins.

— BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 6 July 2026
Thyme When their essential oils are released and rubbed onto the skin, thyme plants, including creeping thyme, can help keep mosquitoes away.

— Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 5 July 2026

Definition of rub

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 12 Jul. 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

fulcrum

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 10

Popular

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes