as in to wear out
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Recent Examples of wear down
While patio umbrellas are durable, excessive force can wear down the fabric over time.
—
Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 10 Apr. 2026
Naturally, over time, the materials inside our mattress will compress under the weight, shift or wear down, all of which can ultimately lead to poor spinal alignment and compromised sleep positioning.
—Sharon Brandwein, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2026
Ukraine’s aim is to wear down Russia, if possible, but also to convince its Western allies of its resilience.
—Olivier Kempf, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
The RedHawks seemed to wear down under the defensive pressure.
—ABC News, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for wear down
Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 10 Apr. 2026
Naturally, over time, the materials inside our mattress will compress under the weight, shift or wear down, all of which can ultimately lead to poor spinal alignment and compromised sleep positioning.
—Sharon Brandwein, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2026
Ukraine’s aim is to wear down Russia, if possible, but also to convince its Western allies of its resilience.
—Olivier Kempf, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
The RedHawks seemed to wear down under the defensive pressure.
—ABC News, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for wear down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wear down
Verb
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John Tortorella was hired as head coach in June 2022, helped establish a culture, had the young Flyers overachieving and then wore out his welcome — such is life as an NHL head coach and especially one named John Tortorella.—
Tom Dougherty,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2026
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As soft as pajamas yet lovely enough to wear out on the town (or around the ship), the micro modal fabric of these Saint Haven pants drapes elegantly, resists wrinkles, and has a relaxed fit that works equally well at a harbor-side bar or a breezy dinner ashore.—
Amanda Eyre Ward,
Travel + Leisure,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The heat begins to break down Friday night, which could also bring a storm.—
Bill Kelly,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
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Lactose intolerance is caused by a lack of the enzyme lactase, leading to digestive symptoms when the body cannot break down milk sugar.—
Allison Forsyth,
Health,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Wear down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wear%20down. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
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