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

Towering waves generated by intense Pacific storm systems, their heights amplified by El Niño, could erode parts of the fragile coastline and shut down crucial coastal transportation arteries. — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026

The vision ultimately describes a county where growth enhances rather than erodes the characteristics that make Placer distinct. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 2026

Both Russia and Ukraine are trying through long-range strikes to inflict economic pain, disrupt military supplies and erode public morale. — ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026

Coups were short-term fixes that gradually eroded the legitimacy of the establishment. — Duncan McCargo, Foreign Affairs, 24 Aug. 2026