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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gnaw
Yet the techno-optimism sweeping the production community is accompanied by a gnawing anxiety about the way established IP is at risk of being ripped off and remixed.
—
Dominic Patten, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2025
The end of his tenure with the Cubs gnaws it him.
—Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Some live with the gnawing fear of running out of options.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 24 Sep. 2025
All this scrolling feeds a gnawing anxiety about the status of men today, imperiled by shifting cultural norms and technological addictions — an insecurity at the core of debates about the place of men in literature today.
—Robert Rubsam, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gnaw
Dominic Patten, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2025
The end of his tenure with the Cubs gnaws it him.
—Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Some live with the gnawing fear of running out of options.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 24 Sep. 2025
All this scrolling feeds a gnawing anxiety about the status of men today, imperiled by shifting cultural norms and technological addictions — an insecurity at the core of debates about the place of men in literature today.
—Robert Rubsam, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gnaw
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gnaw
Verb
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Cultural, linguistic, and value-based assimilation challenges arise, potentially altering national identities and eroding civilizational confidence.—
Daniel Ross Goodman,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Jan. 2026
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And policies that erode IP rights will ultimately slow the pace of innovation — and the prosperity that comes with it.—
David J. Kappos,
Fortune,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Whether lounging in white wicker rocking chairs or eating outside off wrought iron tables, some patio furniture will always be reminiscent of her.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
12 Jan. 2026
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Keep your stress low, stay balanced, and eat clean.—
Emily Tannenbaum,
Glamour,
12 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gnaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gnaw. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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