wear down

verb

Definition of wear downnext
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 All rotors eventually wear down to the point of needing replacement. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 18 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 Beyond being unsightly, mold can also wear down grout over time and contribute to poor indoor air quality if left untreated. — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 21 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for wear down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wear down
  1. wear out
  2. break down
Verb
  • 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
  • And like anything else, string trimmer lines wear out over time.
    — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 29 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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Cite this Entry

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

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