wear and tear

noun

Synonyms of wear and tearnext
: the loss, injury, or stress to which something is subjected by or in the course of use
especially : normal depreciation

Synonyms of wear and tear

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Examples of wear and tear in a Sentence

my favorite jeans finally succumbed to wear and tear and had to be replaced
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.
Restorers address common signs of wear and tear, such as drawer runners worn down by nearly two centimeters and drawer backs reduced to half their original thickness by decades of knives repeatedly striking the wood. — Tara Anne Dalbow, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2026 The classic free-radical theory of aging, first proposed in the 1950s, held that aging itself resulted from the relentless buildup of ROS in our cells, decade after decade, and the wear and tear this caused. — Rowan Jacobsen, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026 Why tooth enamel can’t grow back Think of enamel as your teeth’s armor, a hard outer shell that protects them from chewing, acids, temperature changes and everyday wear and tear. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Oct. 2026 All items arrived clean (professional cleaning is included in your BNTO box subscription) and showed no wear and tear, though they were wrinkled from shipping and needed a good steam before wearing. — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wear and tear

Word History

First Known Use

1666, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wear and tear was in 1666

Rhymes for wear and tear

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Browse Nearby Words

wearable
wear and tear
wear a silly grin/smile on one's face
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Cite this Entry

“Wear and tear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wear%20and%20tear. Accessed 23 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

wear and tear

noun
: the loss or damage that occurs to something in the course of normal use
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