as in to wear out
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Recent Examples of wear down
Even McDaniels’ attempts to wear down Houston’s pass rush by running straight at it, with a season-high 76% run rate on first down, mostly failed.
—
Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 20 Jan. 2026
The drill was part of an intensifying military pressure campaign to intimidate the Taiwanese leadership, demoralize the population, and wear down the island’s resistance to unification with the mainland.
—Andy Browne, semafor.com, 15 Jan. 2026
Since cast iron and carbon steel rely on polymerized oils to form a nonstick, protective barrier on the pan, simmering liquids (especially acidic ones) can wear down the seasoning layer to the raw metal underneath.
—Jesse Raub, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 Dec. 2025
Cronin highlighted the fact that in his team-high 38 minutes, Dent did a lot to wear down Ducks defenders – whether or not his shots were falling, as fickle as shots can be.
—Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 7 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wear down
Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 20 Jan. 2026
The drill was part of an intensifying military pressure campaign to intimidate the Taiwanese leadership, demoralize the population, and wear down the island’s resistance to unification with the mainland.
—Andy Browne, semafor.com, 15 Jan. 2026
Since cast iron and carbon steel rely on polymerized oils to form a nonstick, protective barrier on the pan, simmering liquids (especially acidic ones) can wear down the seasoning layer to the raw metal underneath.
—Jesse Raub, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 Dec. 2025
Cronin highlighted the fact that in his team-high 38 minutes, Dent did a lot to wear down Ducks defenders – whether or not his shots were falling, as fickle as shots can be.
—Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 7 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wear down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wear down
Verb
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The exhausting years-long battle to protect the resources and restorative magic of Grand Staircase-Escalante can wear out supporters.—
Stephen Trimble,
Denver Post,
18 Feb. 2026
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Veterans worn out by last game In this three-team, four-quarter format, someone from Game 3 was always going to have to play in back-to-back games in the title matchup.—
David K. Li,
NBC news,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The figures do not break down which delays were tied to TSA staffing issues versus other routine causes such as maintenance or weather.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
18 Feb. 2026
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The American-Statesman’s Danny Davis breaks down what a 41-27 win over Michigan in the 2025 Citrus Bowl means for the Texas football program and Arch Manning.—
Danny Davis,
Austin American Statesman,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Wear down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wear%20down. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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