grind (down)

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)
Verb
  • Stunned by the image, Charlie is overwhelmed by memories and guilt, and begins clutching his chest in an apparent heart attack.
    Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 13 June 2026
  • Employees were overwhelmed by long hours, unrealistic expectations and constant connectivity.
    ByBryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
Verb
  • The pair became friends, and Hasley went on to help write a book about Jenner’s philosophy on overcoming adversity in sports and life.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
  • Macron and Merz had tried for months to salvage the project and overcome differences between Airbus and Dassault.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 9 June 2026
Verb
  • While several of these positions are vacant to avoid layoffs, representatives said the reductions would nevertheless devastate public safety efforts.
    Reeti Malhotra June 11, Sacbee.com, 11 June 2026
  • The screwworm could devastate the nation’s cattle industry.
    ABC News, ABC News, 11 June 2026
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.

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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 15 Jun. 2026.

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