wear down

verb

wore down; worn down; wearing down; wears down
Synonyms of wear downnext

transitive verb

: to weary and overcome by persistent resistance or pressure

Examples of wear down in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The one detail still more closely guarded than the guest arrivals is what Swift will wear down the aisle. — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 3 July 2026 Replace the head about every three months, or sooner if the bristles are visibly worn down, Eagle says. — Sarah Klein, Time, 30 June 2026 Needless to say there was no second date, and, eventually though painfully, my own arrogance had some of its rough edges worn down. — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 26 June 2026 Get regular brake, tire and filter inspections Brakes, tires and filter frequently wear down and need to be replaced. — Keith Laing, USA Today, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for wear down

Word History

First Known Use

1774, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wear down was in 1774

Rhymes for wear down

See All Rhymes for wear down

Browse Nearby Words

wear away
wear down
wearer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wear down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wear%20down. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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