1
as in to erode
to damage or diminish by continued friction
all that walking every day wore the soles of my shoes very quickly
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to kill
to use up all the physical energy of
the job of running their own business wears them sometimes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to tolerate
British
to put up with (something painful or difficult)
her marriage is so bad—I don't know how she wears it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in corrosion
the result of long and hard use
after several years, the carpet was finally showing wear
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in clothes
covering for the human body
the latest in fashionable wear
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 27 Aug. 2025
Known for attendees who wear colorful outfits — or none at all — the event draws people interested in exploring art, music, and free expression in a largely unregulated environment.
—Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2025
Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Aug. 2025
The unpredictable temperature means lightweight layers, fun jackets, and cozy sweatshirts are a must for travel days, exploring new cities, and everyday wear.
—Rachel Trujillo, Travel + Leisure, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wear
Verb
This typically indicates a durable weave that won’t wear easily over time.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 27 Aug. 2025
Known for attendees who wear colorful outfits — or none at all — the event draws people interested in exploring art, music, and free expression in a largely unregulated environment.
—Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2025
Noun
Vintage versions often exhibit charming imperfections and signs of wear, lending them personality and authenticity.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Aug. 2025
The unpredictable temperature means lightweight layers, fun jackets, and cozy sweatshirts are a must for travel days, exploring new cities, and everyday wear.
—Rachel Trujillo, Travel + Leisure, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wear
Verb
-
This means premiums can quickly erode, value can swing wildly, and small movements can result in substantial gains or losses.—
Michael Martin,
Forbes.com,
28 Aug. 2025
-
Analysts say that could erode the value of the U.S. dollar, which has already grown weaker this year.—
Bailey Schulz,
USA Today,
27 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The other two students who were killed were Mogen’s childhood best friend Kaylee Goncalves and Chapin’s girlfriend, Xana Kernodle.—
Alex Brizee,
Idaho Statesman,
29 Aug. 2025
-
The importance of flood insurance and homeowners insurance was underscored this summer when deadly flash floods killed dozens in central Texas.—
Andrea Riquier,
USA Today,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Nearly three-quarters of respondents (74%) believe the television industry tolerates misconduct that would be unacceptable in other sectors.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
22 Aug. 2025
-
Fortunately, the ability to tolerate distress can be improved upon.—
Eric Wood,
Forbes.com,
21 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Rust or corrosion on the body and inside electrical connectors.—
Sofia Joseph,
jsonline.com,
15 Aug. 2025
-
That's because rust is caused by corrosion that forms when iron is mixed with oxygen and water over a period of time.—
Keenan Thompson,
USA Today,
13 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Mental health struggles are on the rise, polarization is deepening and social safety nets are fraying.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Aug. 2025
-
At a time when planetary boundaries are being crossed and social cohesion is fraying, the credibility of incrementalism is fading fast.—
Felicia Jackson,
Forbes.com,
19 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Procedures at the clinic sometimes ran through the night—the record for the latest was four in the morning—but Terrazas never seemed to tire.—
Burkhard Bilger,
New Yorker,
28 July 2025
-
Waves in rapid succession can tire swimmers quickly.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 July 2025
Verb
-
But that mythology has both resonated and persisted for so long because of the actual enduring accomplishments of President Kennedy’s administration.—
Leah M. Wright,
CNN Money,
23 Aug. 2025
-
The Phoenix Mercury are getting a rare break this weekend after enduring one of the WNBA's toughest stretches of the season.—
Grant Afseth,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Cedros Avenue, a popular shopping destination, boasts two-and-a-half blocks of clothing stores, art galleries, cafes and more.—
Nathan Diller,
USA Today,
25 Aug. 2025
-
Well over a half million years after fire came the idea of clothing.—
Eli Amdur,
Forbes.com,
24 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Wear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wear. Accessed 2 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share