wear and tear

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Some wear and tear in the rotation is inevitable. Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 11 June 2026 The wear and tear of his adventures left him with a bald spot under his cowboy hat. Marc Malkin, Variety, 10 June 2026 When Cleaning Isn't Enough, Replace the Grout Sometimes, years of moisture, staining, and general wear and tear leave grout beyond the point of routine (or even deep) cleaning. Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 10 June 2026 With the Teixeira addition on the horizon, Steube showing no signs of wear and tear on his elbow and Harrigan being just 38 years old, the Dems are facing the reality that this losing streak could extend out to a full decade. Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 June 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, 21 June 2026
  • This Laura Geller hydrating primer creates a silky-smooth canvas that grips your foundation for all-day wear.
    Madeline Merinuk, PEOPLE, 20 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wear and tear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wear%20and%20tear. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on wear and tear

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster