WEAR AND TEAR Synonyms: 17 Similar and Opposite Words

wear and tear

noun

Definition of wear and tear next

as in wear

the result of long and hard use my favorite jeans finally succumbed to wear and tear and had to be replaced

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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 wear and tear The wear and tear of a 162-game season, plus as many as 20 playoff games, begins to add up over time. —

Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 31 May 2026 Clearing out clogs helps the machine run more efficiently, reduces wear and tear, and shortens drying times. —

Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 May 2026 Pay attention to physical signs of wear and tear. —

Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 28 May 2026 This tier doesn’t include metal shells—that begins with the Pro 5—but Dell's choice of plastic feels sturdy and ready to shrug off daily wear and tear. —

Charles Jefferies, PC Magazine, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for wear and tear

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wear and tear

wear

Noun

Plenty of evening-wear options offer the full-on fluid look, but a more practical way to wear this summertime trend is to break it down into individual standout pieces.

— InStyle, InStyle, 7 June 2026
This practice can lead to gait abnormalities, premature joint wear, and potential damage to bone development.

— Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026

Definition of wear

Browse Nearby Words

wearables

wear and tear

wear (away)

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Wear and tear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wear%20and%20tear. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.

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