as in overwhelming
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 grinding (down)
Verb
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Advanced technologies like microencapsulation and nano-layering allow actives to penetrate effectively without overwhelming the skin’s surface—reducing irritation while improving efficacy.—
Corein Carter,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026 -
Different grades of molasses exist, but the kind used in brown sugar is typically mild enough to enhance flavor without overwhelming it.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
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While an eight-game winning run saw Cherki, Foden and Haaland hit their devastating best, three frustrating draws against Sunderland, Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion were characterised by wastefulness in front of goal.—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
12 Jan. 2026
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Group members want to see Bonta’s office take ownership of a review, as occurred in Hawaii after Maui’s devastating Lahaina fire.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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This classic ranchera song was originally released in 1963 and is a metaphor for overcoming life’s difficult moments.—
Tere Aguilera,
Billboard,
23 Jan. 2026
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The first query was about injuries, a season-long theme both in terms of hard luck and overcoming adversity in a 13-6 season that included a wild-card playoff win.—
Jerry McDonald,
Mercury News,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Amid the disorder, the regime turned to a familiar playbook of crushing dissent.—
Mitchell McCluskey,
CNN Money,
12 Jan. 2026
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Homeowners association fees for people living in condominiums or other multi-unit dwellings have been increasing year after year — doubling one year only to go up again the next — and the effect is crushing.—
The Denver Post Editorial Board,
Denver Post,
12 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Grinding (down).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grinding%20%28down%29. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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