gnaws

Definition of gnawsnext
present tense third-person singular of gnaw
as in erodes
to consume or wear away gradually time has gnawed that author's reputation to the point where he rates little more than a footnote

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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 gnaws The end of his tenure with the Cubs gnaws it him. Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gnaws
Verb
  • When people fear being replaced or don’t know what’s coming, trust erodes.
    Michael Bush, Fortune, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Others contend that legitimizing him erodes Democratic credibility on antisemitism and other issues, handing Republicans ammunition heading into the midterms.
    Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • For anyone who eats outdoors along Miami-Dade’s coastline, the findings offer a new way to understand the gulls circling overhead.
    Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Because of that, Moody’s has taken a number of downward ratings actions against producers, because the oversupply eats away at margins and the capacity to pay debt is eroding.
    Kevin Williams, CNBC, 28 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Gnaws.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gnaws. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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