GNAWING Synonyms: 27 Similar and Opposite Words

gnawing

verb

present participle of gnaw

as in eroding

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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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of gnawing The writer’s mind frame means a part of you is always gnawing on a story. — Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026 With an energy akin to Burning Man, the vibe is distinctly hippie; guests are gnawing to get into heady discussions. — Uma Raja, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Sep. 2026 Beavers wouldn’t tackle a tree that large, and gnawing marks would be up that high. — Joan Morris, Mercury News, 31 Aug. 2026 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 All of which raises one gnawing little question. — Kyle Wagner, New York Daily News, 11 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gnawing

Verb

By the late 1500s, the once vigorous Ming was severely eroding.

— Carl Minzner, Foreign Affairs, 5 Oct. 2026
That unease is eroding faith in political leaders and fueling calls for upheaval across the spectrum, from young conservatives to students backing progressive challengers in Michigan.

— Jacqueline Ganun, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of eroding

Verb

This is even more true at Rumari Counter, a new experience with comfy stools for up to 10 diners per night who get the pleasure of eating a prix-fixe meal that will never be prepared again (the counter menu changes nightly).

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026
This cooking experience marks her first time teaching a group how to make bouyon, but the soup is nothing new for the chef, who grew up eating her mother’s version of the dish.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of eating

Browse Nearby Words

gnawers

gnawing

gnawing (at)

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“Gnawing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gnawing. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of gnawing

verb

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