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 But inventories are bound to wear down if Ukraine’s salvos remain large and frequent. — Gianluca Mezzofiore, CNN Money, 19 June 2026 All rotors eventually wear down to the point of needing replacement. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 18 June 2026 The Fleet played a suffocating style of hockey, with a strong forecheck and the ability to wear down opponents with relentless offensive-zone pressure. — Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 16 June 2026 The infrastructure wears down over time, and can no longer compete with cheaper renewables. — Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes.com, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for wear down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wear down
  1. wear out
  2. break down
Verb
  • Several of the houses have a special person on staff just for the barrels, a cooper who manufactures and replaces the slats that have worn out.
    — Kyle Lucia Wu, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 2026
  • Relaxed pants like this pair are perfect for a long bus tour through the countryside or for wearing out to dinner—they’ll look polished without feeling uncomfortable.
    — Erin Cavoto, Travel + Leisure, 17 July 2026
Definition of wear out
Verb
  • But even his genius couldn’t break down the tournament’s best team, Spain, in the final.
    — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • Use it to talk through key problems and decisions as a group, break down silos, and make live design, share-out and deep review sessions a regular habit.
    — Julien Vantyghem, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of break down

Browse Nearby Words

wear (away)
wear down
wearied
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wear down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wear%20down. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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