WEAR DOWN Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

wear down

verb

Definition of wear down

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 The two teams beat each other up and remained tied 7-7 until late in the third quarter, when the Royals started to wear down the Edgewater defense. — Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026 Despite months of negotiations, Tehran and Washington seem poised to keep fighting on and off in an effort to wear down the other’s materiel and willpower. — Dina Esfandiary, Foreign Affairs, 27 Aug. 2026 Failing to do so can make for a clunky, inefficient shift and wear down components over time. — ArsTechnica, 26 Aug. 2026 During the dog days of August, catchers can wear down at the plate. — Mike Barner, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wear down

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wear down

Verb

If the system simply wears out, that may be a warranty claim.

— Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 14 Sep. 2026
These days, though, there’s no need to wear out your shoe leather.

— Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of wear out

Verb

Sophia Eppley breaks down where the major party candidates for governor stand on tax policy.

— Adam Beam, AJC.com, 14 Sep. 2026
Santoku knives are great for a large variety of tasks, and are often prized for their daily use for things like slicing cheese, cutting an apple, breaking down an onion, or chopping herbs.

— Jesse Raub, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of break down

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wear (away)

wear down

wearied

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“Wear down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wear%20down. Accessed 21 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of wear down

verb

Example Sentences

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