GRINDING (DOWN) Synonyms: 29 Similar Words

grinding (down)

verb

present participle of grind (down)

as in overwhelming

to subject to incapacitating emotional or mental stress the workers are being ground down by the long work hours which leave them little time for anything else

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for grinding (down)

Verb

Animal figurines, old postcards, miniature sculptures and other unexpected objects can add personality without overwhelming a room.

— Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026
The natural wood grain and streamlined proportions give it enough presence to anchor an entryway without overwhelming the surrounding decor.

— Nora Taylor, Architectural Digest, 23 July 2026

Definition of overwhelming

Verb

Pape Sarr was on the pitch for Senegal’s devastating extra-time defeat by Belgium at that same stage, but joins Bergvall as a Spurs player who had little impact on a tournament where his career — and market value — could really have used a jolt.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Following a succession of heat waves that started even before the summer, wildfires have raged across France in recent weeks, devastating large swaths of land amid record temperatures and dry weather.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 2026

Definition of devastating

Verb

The biggest event in the sporting calendar drew to a close at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey as Spain were crowned world champions for the second time, overcoming Argentina in one of the most dominant finals in recent memory.

— Mark Carey, New York Times, 21 July 2026
Emotional intelligence, particularly self-awareness, is crucial to overcoming it.

— Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of overcoming

Verb

Coming off a division title, an 11-6 record, a thrilling playoff win over the rival Packers and a crushing overtime playoff loss to the Rams, the Bears are going to be a hot-button topic over the next six weeks.

— Kevin Fishbain, New York Times, 27 July 2026
Meanwhile Leia’s lost her brother Luke and her great love Han Solo in quick succession, and the general’s trying to rebuild the Resistance after a crushing loss to the evil First Order at the Battle of Crait.

— Brian Truitt, USA Today, 27 July 2026

Definition of crushing

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grinding

grinding (down)

grinding (out)

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“Grinding (down).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grinding%20%28down%29. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of grinding (down)

verb

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