wore out

Definition of wore outnext
past tense of wear out

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 wore out John Tortorella was hired as head coach in June 2022, helped establish a culture, had the young Flyers overachieving and then wore out his welcome — such is life as an NHL head coach and especially one named John Tortorella. Tom Dougherty, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026 Its burgundy spine wore out many years ago, so layer on layer of tape tries desperately to cradle over 60 pages of newspaper cuttings documenting every word ever published about her son, Jamie Mitchell. Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026 In contrast, the Fraternal Order of Eagles advocated for pensions for industrial wage laborers—for people who had worked in jobs that wore out their bodies and left them physically unable to work. Trevor Jackson, The New York Review of Books, 4 Apr. 2026 And his playcalling wore out its welcome with the Los Angeles Chargers in only two years. Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2026 From busy tile backsplashes that quickly wore out their welcome to furniture silhouettes that turned comfort into an afterthought, 2025 delivered no shortage of design trends, but not all of them were meant for the long haul. Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 20 Jan. 2026 Watching Twister on my parents’ VHS player until the tape wore out and riding my bike to Blockbuster to rent another copy. Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025 Workers wore out their shoes every eight days, the worker said. Amy Yurkanin, ProPublica, 9 Oct. 2025 Hurts wore out a defense without Micah Parsons on touchdown runs of 4 and 8 yards — no legal tush push needed. Dan Gelston, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wore out
Verb
  • As Rosalind disguised as a boy, Adele wore a bolo tie and a low-slung gun belt with a six-shooter.
    Jonathan Franzen, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
  • Fanny wore a belt strapped across her narrow hips, her eyes clear and bright, jewels on her nails, a cigarette often tucked into her belt.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 June 2026
Verb
  • At least 13 people were killed in the overnight assault that Ukraine’s military said involved more than 600 drones and dozens of missiles, including advanced hypersonics.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 2 June 2026
  • Israel says 23 of its soldiers and four civilians have been killed over the same period.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • But muddy conditions led to slop and chaos, and tired out the front-runners after a very fast opening pace, clearing the way for the closer to do his thing.
    Peter Keating, New York Times, 1 May 2026
  • Plus, their fabric and fill are less likely to accrue that ever-darkening yellowish stain that tired goose down pillows acquire over time, thanks to sweat, oils, lotion residues, etc.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Discussing the subject with an older person who is suffering from chronic pain, is worried about paying for health care or medications, and is exhausted from caregiving is untimely to say the least.
    Helen Dennis, Daily News, 30 May 2026
  • Most of the benefits from larger tax cuts have already been exhausted, Zandi said.
    Alex Harring,Deena Zaidi, CNBC, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • While Oklahoma City shot just 10-for-40 from 3-point land (including 0-for-5 from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and 1-for-9 from Lu Dort), the Spurs drained 15 3s in 41 attempts, with four each from Victor Wembanyama and Devin Vassell.
    Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 29 May 2026
  • Norrased sought to reassure him, telling him that the water was being drained, and handing over blankets and food.
    Jintamas Saksornchai, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Wore out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wore%20out. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

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