gnaws

Definition of gnawsnext
present tense third-person singular of gnaw
as in erodes
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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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 gnaws The end of his tenure with the Cubs gnaws it him. Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gnaws
Verb
  • When that confidence erodes, the legitimacy of the entire system is placed at risk.
    Keith Wortz, Hartford Courant, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Public trust erodes when resources concentrate at the top.
    Michael Sonnenfeldt, Fortune, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • For now, anything Paloma Quatrini eats by mouth is simply a bonus.
    Meghan Schiller, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Wunmi Mosaku happily eats pizza at a table.
    Rachel Handler, Vulture, 16 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Gnaws.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gnaws. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.

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