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
Beyond those big advantages, the magnetic transmission system cuts out noise associated with the physical grinding of gear teeth and the accompanying wear and tear of mechanical transmission.
—
New Atlas, 11 June 2025
The new law clarifies that landlords can't keep security deposits for damage that predates a renter's stay in an apartment or that is part of normal wear and tear.
—Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 5 June 2025
Unlike smartphones, which spend most of their time in a user’s pocket, a smartwatch is exposed to wear and tear on the user’s arm.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2025
Each bag is made from high-quality, rip-resistant fabric that can take the wear and tear of travel in stride, and the set comes with four different pouches of varying sizes to fit everything from bulky outerwear to socks and undergarments.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for wear and tear
New Atlas, 11 June 2025
The new law clarifies that landlords can't keep security deposits for damage that predates a renter's stay in an apartment or that is part of normal wear and tear.
—Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 5 June 2025
Unlike smartphones, which spend most of their time in a user’s pocket, a smartwatch is exposed to wear and tear on the user’s arm.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2025
Each bag is made from high-quality, rip-resistant fabric that can take the wear and tear of travel in stride, and the set comes with four different pouches of varying sizes to fit everything from bulky outerwear to socks and undergarments.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for wear and tear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wear and tear
wear
Noun
-
With run-time data on equipment usage and wear, manufacturers can optimize service schedules, minimize unexpected downtime and extend product lifespans.—
Sean O'Neill,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
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The Amazon blouse is especially primed for wear in warm weather thanks to its cotton-blend fabric, designed to keep you cool and comfy.—
Nicol Natale,
People.com,
16 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Wear and tear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wear%20and%20tear. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
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