grind (down)

verb

Definition of grind (down)next
as in to overwhelm
to subject to incapacitating emotional or mental stress the workers are being ground down by the long work hours which leave them little time for anything else

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for grind (down)
  1. overwhelm
  2. overcome
  3. devastate
Verb
  • The awkward silence overwhelmed everyone until the major stepped in front of Helen.
    — Ron Farina, Hartford Courant, 1 Nov. 2026
  • For a curator not to take the venue seriously as an interlocutor is a fault that could overwhelm even very strong work.
    — Kristian Vistrup Madsen, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of overwhelm
Verb
  • Tested on three below-knee amputees, this technique could overcome the limitations of current muscle-signal systems.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2026
  • This front row seat to past moments — including some that involve Ethan — leads Hannah to reflect, break out of her comfort zone and overcome her fear of failure.
    — Rachel LaBonte, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of overcome
Verb
  • Some were devastated and expressed hope a new company could rescue the venture so life at sea can continue.
    — Sopheng Cheang, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The Fisherwoman is devastated and has a very flammable partner.
    — Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of devastate
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.

Browse Nearby Words

grind
grind (down)
grinder
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Cite this Entry

“Grind (down).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grind%20%28down%29. Accessed 5 Nov. 2026.

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