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 Cleveland Clinic warns that hard bristles and heavy pressure can wear down enamel and damage gum tissue. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2026 That standard reaction produces high-energy neutrons, which wear down reactor walls over time. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2026 The ceaseless Russian drone attacks on cities and towns aim to wear down Ukraine’s resistance and cripple the Ukrainian economy. — ABC News, 28 Sep. 2026 Days upon days of such exposure—whether world news, industry warnings, or team and personal setbacks—can wear down well-being and performance until work starts to feel pointless. — Harvard Business Review, 22 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wear down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wear down
  1. wear out
  2. break down
Verb
  • Before the constant stream of sarcastic Ultron commentary wears out its welcome around the series’ halfway point, the bad guy’s brevity is a nice counterpoint to all of the sentient ennui.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2026
  • But others feel alienated, misrepresented and worn out by the opposing political forces, said Carolina Almeida de Paula, a political scientist from Rio de Janeiro State University.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of wear out
Verb
  • Kering, parent of Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, Brioni, McQueen and several jewelry houses, no longer breaks down revenues by brand except for Gucci, but noted that Saint Laurent returned to growth in the first half of 2026.
    — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Fiber, fat, and protein slow down your digestion, so as your body breaks down carbs, glucose is released more gradually into the bloodstream.
    — Trista Chan, HEALTH, 12 Oct. 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 18 Oct. 2026.

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