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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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
Traditionally cynical and perceptive commentators—not to mention a lot of tired citizens—found themselves, in some accounts, overcome by an unexpected wave of patriotic sentimentality that washed away, at least for a moment, their gnawing doubts.
—
Christopher Hooks,
Harpers Magazine,
23 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
Voles are likely to blame when previously-healthy plantings topple over for no apparent reason or when a tree is girdled around its base from gnawing.
—
Arricca Elin Sansone,
Southern Living,
19 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
To distract you from gnawing your nails in anticipation, here are two books to add to your pile.
—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
11 Mar. 2026
Logan Kilgore, in Aplin’s mind, was gnawing on a bad idea.
—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
6 Mar. 2026
Christopher Hooks,
Harpers Magazine,
23 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
Voles are likely to blame when previously-healthy plantings topple over for no apparent reason or when a tree is girdled around its base from gnawing.
—
Arricca Elin Sansone,
Southern Living,
19 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
To distract you from gnawing your nails in anticipation, here are two books to add to your pile.
—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
11 Mar. 2026
Logan Kilgore, in Aplin’s mind, was gnawing on a bad idea.
—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
6 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gnawing
Verb
-
But experts and users warn that technology risks eroding authenticity and chemistry at the heart of real-world relationships.
-
This trend, partly driven by workplace loneliness, risks eroding company culture and coworker cohesion.
Verb
-
While oysters in space appear to be a newer research opportunity, Harrisburg states that humans have been eating these creatures for 100,000 years, based on archaeology findings.
-
Is low-carb or low-fat eating healthier for your heart?
Cite this Entry
“Gnawing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gnawing. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
