as in to wear out
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Recent Examples of wear down
Sharpen Scissors and Shears Like any tool with a sharp blade, household scissors and kitchen shears wear down with continual use, but aluminum foil can help.
—
Darcy Lenz, Southern Living, 17 Feb. 2026
Ukraine says Russia has tried to wear down Ukrainians’ resistance by creating hardship for the civilian population living in dark, freezing homes.
—Kamila Hrabchuk, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Russia has been pounding Ukraine's critical infrastructure, hoping to wear down public resistance to the war while leaving many around the country having to endure the dead of winter without heat.
—Aamer Madhani and Susie Blann The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 30 Jan. 2026
Those five players combined for 20 points on 9-of-17 shooting and 10 rebounds while helping wear down a Texas team that didn’t get much from its reserves.
—Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for wear down
Darcy Lenz, Southern Living, 17 Feb. 2026
Ukraine says Russia has tried to wear down Ukrainians’ resistance by creating hardship for the civilian population living in dark, freezing homes.
—Kamila Hrabchuk, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Russia has been pounding Ukraine's critical infrastructure, hoping to wear down public resistance to the war while leaving many around the country having to endure the dead of winter without heat.
—Aamer Madhani and Susie Blann The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 30 Jan. 2026
Those five players combined for 20 points on 9-of-17 shooting and 10 rebounds while helping wear down a Texas team that didn’t get much from its reserves.
—Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for wear down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wear down
Verb
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Of course, local restaurants and other food vendors are ready to serve you once your sweet tooth wears out.—
Jennifer Prince,
Southern Living,
7 Mar. 2026
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These vape devices aren’t failing or wearing out.—
Ryan Brennan
March 6,
Charlotte Observer,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In other words, everything about you, including your body and mind, is destined to eventually break down.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
12 Mar. 2026
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Cuts like chuck roast, pork shoulder, brisket, and short ribs need plenty of time for connective tissue to break down, creating the most tender, juicy results.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Wear down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wear%20down. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
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