as in to erode
to consume or wear away gradually
time has gnawed that author's reputation to the point where he rates little more than a footnote
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Recent Examples of gnaw
Wild animals had gnawed through the pressurized canisters, releasing the chemicals inside.
—
Rachel Becker, Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2026
Mice can and will gnaw through most softer materials.
—Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 7 Feb. 2026
The lengthy posts are the latest development in the long-standing family feud that has gnawed away at the Beckhams’ attempts to project a perfect family life.
—Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 20 Jan. 2026
But on Monday, there was only that pit-of-your-stomach gnawing concoction of disappointment, frustration and emptiness that foments when a chance for history is squandered.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gnaw
Rachel Becker, Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2026
Mice can and will gnaw through most softer materials.
—Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 7 Feb. 2026
The lengthy posts are the latest development in the long-standing family feud that has gnawed away at the Beckhams’ attempts to project a perfect family life.
—Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 20 Jan. 2026
But on Monday, there was only that pit-of-your-stomach gnawing concoction of disappointment, frustration and emptiness that foments when a chance for history is squandered.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gnaw
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gnaw
Verb
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The speakers also argued the move will push people to work without a license and erode state oversight of crucial industries.—
ALEJANDRO SERRANO The Texas Tribune,
Arkansas Online,
26 Mar. 2026
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Eva Bermúdez Zimmerman, executive director of Child Care For CT, said that the Manchester closure reflects broader pressures eroding the existing care infrastructure.—
Laura Tillman,
Hartford Courant,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
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For many years, the Rushes had an annual tradition of eating at Wintzell's Oyster House before riding in the local Mardi Gras parade.—
SYDNEY PAGE THE WASHINGTON POST,
Arkansas Online,
22 Mar. 2026
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Prosecutors said a potential motive for Gary's murder was hate – illustrated by how Austin left his father's corpse in these woods to be eaten.—
Peter Van Sant,
CBS News,
22 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gnaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gnaw. Accessed 26 Mar. 2026.
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