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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Think of it like a blender—feed scraps in slowly to avoid overwhelming the system.—
Jamie Cuccinelli,
Martha Stewart,
12 Apr. 2026 -
Try to create an ongoing supportive dialogue about their feelings and offer them an open invitation to come talk to you when their emotions are overwhelming them.—
Laura Wheatman Hill,
Parents,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The annual rains have been failing over the past several years, interrupted in 2023 by devastating flooding.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
10 Apr. 2026
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But his professional success masks a series of devastating personal tragedies.—
Don Riddell,
CNN Money,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Frank said the team could take pride in overcoming its dreadful start to come within a few victories of landing a higher seed that would have assured them a playoff spot, and posting its league-best 15th consecutive winning season.—
Janis Carr,
Oc Register,
17 Apr. 2026
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The Halos stormed through the playoffs to this franchise's only championship, overcoming a 3-2 series deficit to Barry Bonds and the San Francisco Giants to win the World Series.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Meanwhile, Willson Contreras greeted Valdez with a first-inning solo shot to tie the game at 1-1, crushing an 0-2 sinker 394 feet into the Green Monster seats.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
19 Apr. 2026
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The Chicago White Sox broke out in a big way offensively Friday, crushing the Athletics 9-2 in front of a sellout crowd of 12,027 at Sutter Health Park.—
LaMond Pope,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Apr. 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 20 Apr. 2026.
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