gnaws

verb

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 If an owner reacts strongly every time the cat gnaws on a cord, the cat may learn that chewing gets a response. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026 Kelsey passes around a bowl of clam shells with questions written on them as Liz gnaws on a corn on the cob. — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 15 June 2026 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
  1. erodes
  2. eats
Verb
  • Dench was first diagnosed in 2012 with macular degeneration, a retinal disease that erodes one’s central vision and is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness in people over 65.
    — Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Keep an eye on the number of dissenting votes, higher disagreement directly erodes the market's confidence in the Fed's decision.
    — Justin Zacks, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of erodes
Verb
  • The body performs them automatically while the driver listens to music, talks with a passenger or eats a sandwich.
    — Jesse Granger, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Today’s recipe Fresh, crunchy bread crumbs add contrast to this light chickpea and escarole soup that eats like a hearty meal.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of eats

Browse Nearby Words

gnaw (on)
gnaws
gnaws (at)
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Cite this Entry

“Gnaws.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gnaws. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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