gnaws

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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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
  • For any administration to treat them that way erodes our national security and flies in the face of Congress’ constitutional obligation to oversee matters of war and peace.
    Luis Martinez, ABC News, 29 Oct. 2025
  • When the only people receiving relief are celebrities, political insiders or headline-makers, public confidence erodes.
    Khalil Cumberbatch, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • So does a scene in which a nonverbal, neurodivergent member of the community named Ghazal (Bartley Booz) eats a piece of paper that’s probably Peter’s suicide note.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2025
  • The revolution eats its own, yet again.
    Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 7 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Gnaws.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gnaws. Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.

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