WEAR DOWN Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

wear down

verb

Definition of wear down

as in to wear out

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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 down The Fleet played a suffocating style of hockey, with a strong forecheck and the ability to wear down opponents with relentless offensive-zone pressure. — Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 16 June 2026 The infrastructure wears down over time, and can no longer compete with cheaper renewables. — Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes.com, 9 June 2026 It’s designed to withstand high-traffic areas and won’t wear down over time. — Shea Simmons, PEOPLE, 7 June 2026 But over time, the cutting edges on a drill bit will wear down, causing materials start to splinter, leading to chipped wood or damaged walls. — Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 5 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for wear down

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wear down

Verb

As more of these batteries wear out, finding efficient ways to recycle them is becoming more important.

— Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 2 July 2026
Most of the books were dog-eared, broken in, and worn out from the years of little hands taking them on and off the shelves.

— Sarah Scott, Parents, 30 June 2026

Definition of wear out

Verb

Sportico’s Michael McCann, who is an attorney and a law professor, breaks down the potential legal fallout of a lockout in two parts.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 6 July 2026
Larry Walshe, celebrity event designer and founder of Larry Walshe Studios, breaks down the potential significance behind Swift’s flower choices exclusively to PEOPLE.

— Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026

Definition of break down

Browse Nearby Words

wear (away)

wear down

wearied

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“Wear down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wear%20down. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of wear down

verb

Example Sentences

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