Synonyms of gnawing

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• eroding
• eating
• nibbling
• corroding
• biting (at)
• destroying
• fretting
• decomposing
• disintegrating
• dissolving
• wrecking
• ruining
• wasting
• devastating
• breaking down
• breaking up
• decimating

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• restoring
• reviving
• renewing
• regenerating
• recreating
• revitalizing
• freshening
• rejuvenating
• refreshing
• refreshening

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of gnawing

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

Elizabeth continues to be an infuriating character, interrupting with rude and unhelpful asides throughout the entire family meeting, casually gnawing on an orange slice as Greg and Katie have a heart-to-heart across the table. — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 11 May 2026

Pastor John Mark Comer has won a massive audience by encouraging his followers to free themselves from the gnawing sense that there is always more to do, Nancy Walecki writes. — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026

Things are kept mostly under wraps in this trailer, which spotlights the family vibe and the gnawing concern that something isn’t right, alongside jarring footage of a suburban street torn asunder. — William Earl, Variety, 26 Mar. 2026