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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Recent Examples of wear and tear
Still, the slips left him unharmed and actually made it into the movie for comedic effect and to emphasize the wear and tear a realistic action hero may experience during fight scenes.
—
Tommy McArdle, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
When evaluating Depression glass for purchase, bring a magnifying glass to closely inspect for wear and tear such as scratches and chips, as these signs often confirm the piece's authenticity.
—Alexandra Churchill, Martha Stewart, 17 Apr. 2026
Like hair, nails can become brittle and damaged from overexposure, physical manipulation, and your average wear and tear.
—Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 12 Apr. 2026
Regardless of wear and tear, there are a handful of my most reliable travel clothes, shoes, and bags that always make the team.
—Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for wear and tear
Tommy McArdle, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
When evaluating Depression glass for purchase, bring a magnifying glass to closely inspect for wear and tear such as scratches and chips, as these signs often confirm the piece's authenticity.
—Alexandra Churchill, Martha Stewart, 17 Apr. 2026
Like hair, nails can become brittle and damaged from overexposure, physical manipulation, and your average wear and tear.
—Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 12 Apr. 2026
Regardless of wear and tear, there are a handful of my most reliable travel clothes, shoes, and bags that always make the team.
—Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for wear and tear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wear and tear
wear
Noun
-
The high-rise, drapey leg creates an effortless shape that still appears refined, and the linen gets softer with every wear.—
Paris Wilson,
Travel + Leisure,
19 Apr. 2026
-
There’s nothing worse than spending too much on a stylish bag only to find that the lining rips or the hardware breaks after just a few wears.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
PEOPLE,
19 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Wear and tear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wear%20and%20tear. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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