wear down

verb

Definition of wear downnext
as in to wear out

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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 down Having heavy vehicles frequently drive over your driveway can wear down the material and erode the surface, leaving behind a less-than-pleasing eyesight. — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 5 Aug. 2026 Doing the same motion constantly can wear down muscles, nerves or tendons, causing a repetitive strain injury, per Cleveland Clinic. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 25 July 2026 Never use abrasive cleaning tools or abrasive detergents as that can wear down the PTFE coating on your grill mat. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 23 July 2026 Homes contain unpredictable people and objects that wear down or break. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for wear down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wear down
  1. wear out
  2. break down
Verb
  • Overall, workout shorts that wear out quickly usually last less than a year, while more durable options last longer than a year.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Shoppers love these wide-leg pants, saying they’re polished enough to wear out and cozy enough to use as pajamas.
    — Melody Kazel, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of wear out
Verb
  • Take the quiz here … LISTEN Tune in as Congressman Ryan Mackenzie breaks down the midterms, which are less than 100 days away.
    — , FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Talks with Canada have broken down again, with Mark Carney deciding retaliation is set for September 8.
    — Michael Khouw, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of break down

Browse Nearby Words

wear (away)
wear down
wearied
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Cite this Entry

“Wear down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wear%20down. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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