wear thin

phrase

1
: to become weak or ready to give way
my patience was wearing thin
2
: to become trite, unconvincing, or out-of-date
an argument that quickly wore thin

Examples of wear thin in a Sentence

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.
But in many areas, that safety net has worn thin as shifting states laws grant more personal belief exemptions that allow unvaccinated children to attend school. — Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026 Angel City’s sporting director Mark Parsons is taking a methodical approach to hiring a coach at a time when patience among fans and players is wearing thin. — Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026 Challenged by both pro-Thaksin forces and progressive orange parties, its old methods—military coups, dodgy deals, party bans, the judicial removal of prime ministers—were wearing thin. — Duncan McCargo, Foreign Affairs, 24 Aug. 2026 The result has been what some perceive as an erratic approach – and one Bacon said is wearing thin. — Zac Anderson, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wear thin

Rhymes for wear thin

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Browse Nearby Words

wear the trousers
wear thin
wear through
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wear thin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wear%20thin. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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