Synonyms of gnaw

gnaw

verb

ˈnȯ 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• erode
• eat
• corrode
• bite (at)
• destroy
• nibble
• fret
• decompose
• disintegrate
• ruin
• dissolve
• wreck
• waste
• break down
• break up
• decimate
• devastate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• restore
• renew
• revive
• refresh
• regenerate
• freshen
• revitalize
• recreate
• rejuvenate
• refreshen

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of gnaw

Their feeding can cause plants to wilt or die, and gnawing around the base of woody plants can be particularly damaging. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 5 Aug. 2026

The openness was in stark contrast to the defensive, tactical precision and gnawing tension that make the matches surrounding this one so captivating, but which can stifle some of sport’s beauty and brilliance. — Sergio Gonzalez, New York Times, 19 July 2026

Chewing involves biting or gnawing without necessarily swallowing. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026

This, along with lunch, is the gnawing concern at the back of the critic’s mind. — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026

Phrases Containing gnaw

• gnaw (on)