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
  • Armrest covers handle the high-use areas that wear out first and double as a coordinated accent.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Then the beeps will become evenly spaced until the alarm is silenced, the prongs dry out, or the battery wears out.
    — John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of wear out
Verb
  • Below, our experts break down the colors to keep handy this season.
    — Loren Savini, Allure, 26 Oct. 2026
  • When heated by the device’s coil, these liquids break down into toxic compounds, including formaldehyde and acrolein, both known to damage cellular structures in the respiratory system.
    — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 25 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 27 Oct. 2026.

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