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 But that also means a lot of wear and tear on their bodies. —

March 6, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026 On the stark and sublime TIGRAY FUNK, Sideshow’s starting to show signs of psychological wear and tear. —

Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 4 Mar. 2026 Wash your clothes less Washing your clothes causes significant wear and tear. —

The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026 These are usually much thicker and more durable for everyday wear and tear in this high-traffic zone. —

Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 27 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wear and tear

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wear and tear

wear

Noun

Leather sneakers like this on-sale pair up the fashion ante and are durable enough to guarantee multi-season wear.

— Cheryl Wagemann, InStyle, 8 Mar. 2026
This one is comfortable for all-day wear, easy to dress up or down, and, most importantly, has pockets.

— Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026

Definition of wear

Browse Nearby Words

wearables

wear and tear

wear (away)

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Wear and tear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wear%20and%20tear. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

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