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

And some more casual takes on the muumuu look like something your Auntie wouldn’t wear out of the house.

— Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 18 Sep. 2026
There should be no loose parts, cracks, or worn out straps and fasteners.

— Melissa Willets, Parents, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of wear out

Verb

The Virginia Tech solutions aim to incorporate the ability to break down directly into the adhesive's molecular structure.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 21 Sep. 2026
To break down a plastic bottle, science doesn’t need a hammer, but a microscopic scalpel.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of break down

Browse Nearby Words

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 24 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of wear down

verb

Example Sentences

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