as in wear
the result of long and hard use
my favorite jeans finally succumbed to wear and tear and had to be replaced
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Recent Examples of wear and tear
For drying, Tucker recommends considering line drying or air drying if possible to prevent wear and tear that can occur in the dryer.
—
Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 20 Feb. 2026
Typically secured with buttons, snaps or zippers, the cover shields the duvet from everyday wear and tear.
—Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2026
In 2024, Wolff was looking for a doctor to operate on his left meniscus, damaged by the wear and tear of an active life.
—Tony Saavedra, Oc Register, 18 Feb. 2026
The condition involves the wear and tear of the spine in his lower back and has required multiple treatments, including an ablation procedure, to manage the pain.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for wear and tear
Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 20 Feb. 2026
Typically secured with buttons, snaps or zippers, the cover shields the duvet from everyday wear and tear.
—Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2026
In 2024, Wolff was looking for a doctor to operate on his left meniscus, damaged by the wear and tear of an active life.
—Tony Saavedra, Oc Register, 18 Feb. 2026
The condition involves the wear and tear of the spine in his lower back and has required multiple treatments, including an ablation procedure, to manage the pain.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for wear and tear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wear and tear
wear
Noun
-
The slightly-warmer tones of this still-neutral shade have stayed looking fresh even after over 30-straight days of wear, and still pair perfectly with all of my favorite active and travel looks.—
Amber Cardullo,
Travel + Leisure,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Expect to see guests decked out in designer wear, Silicon Valley types, and even some famous faces, especially during Coachella and Palm Springs’ annual film festival.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Wear and tear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wear%20and%20tear. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.
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