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
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
Leave the top open rather than filling it with leaves, which could create an inviting home for bark-gnawing rodents.
—Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Jan. 2026
Their tough teeth also grow very quickly, and gnawing helps keep them sharp and filed down to a manageable length.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gnaw
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
Leave the top open rather than filling it with leaves, which could create an inviting home for bark-gnawing rodents.
—Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Jan. 2026
Their tough teeth also grow very quickly, and gnawing helps keep them sharp and filed down to a manageable length.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gnaw
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gnaw
Verb
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China approved a new set of ethnicity laws that critics say risks further eroding the rights of minorities.—
Jeronimo Gonzalez,
semafor.com,
12 Mar. 2026
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The union representing federal screeners argues that moving operations to private companies could erode job protections and reduce pay and benefits for workers already facing high turnover amid demanding conditions.—
Rio Yamat,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In Queens, check out the art at MoMA PS1 or spend an afternoon eating your way through Astoria or Flushing, known for standout Greek and Chinese cuisine, respectively.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Mar. 2026
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Many studies suggest that eating breakfast earlier may help regulate blood sugar.—
Merve Ceylan,
Health,
8 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gnaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gnaw. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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