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
The Rose Bowl schedule was dictated largely by concerns FIFA, the sport’s global governing body, and local organizers had about the wear and tear on the stadium’s pitch.
—
Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 16 Mar. 2026
The frame is made from durable aluminum and wicker to minimize wear and tear over the seasons.
—Paige Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Mar. 2026
Plastic Furniture Covers While in theory this decorating move was a smart solution for guarding precious fabrics from wear and tear, who wants to sit on Grandma’s squeaky plastic sofa?
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2026
These are also machine washable, meaning despite coffee spills and the general wear and tear of a fitful sleeper, these can be properly cleaned in the wash.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for wear and tear
Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 16 Mar. 2026
The frame is made from durable aluminum and wicker to minimize wear and tear over the seasons.
—Paige Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Mar. 2026
Plastic Furniture Covers While in theory this decorating move was a smart solution for guarding precious fabrics from wear and tear, who wants to sit on Grandma’s squeaky plastic sofa?
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2026
These are also machine washable, meaning despite coffee spills and the general wear and tear of a fitful sleeper, these can be properly cleaned in the wash.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for wear and tear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wear and tear
wear
Noun
-
BeautyBarrier's new priming lotion creates a soft-focus, blurring finish and helps makeup stick to the skin for flawless, all-day wear.—
Kelsey Legg,
ABC News,
20 Mar. 2026
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The original Bay Lights project went up in 2013 and was turned off in 2020 due to environmental wear, a decision that was made by Villareal.—
Jose Fabian,
CBS News,
20 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Wear and tear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wear%20and%20tear. Accessed 26 Mar. 2026.
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