gnaw

verb

ˈnȯ How to pronounce gnaw (audio)
Definition of gnawnext
as in to erode
to consume or wear away gradually time has gnawed that author's reputation to the point where he rates little more than a footnote

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 gnaw Their feeding can cause plants to wilt or die, and gnawing around the base of woody plants can be particularly damaging. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 5 Aug. 2026 The openness was in stark contrast to the defensive, tactical precision and gnawing tension that make the matches surrounding this one so captivating, but which can stifle some of sport’s beauty and brilliance. — Sergio Gonzalez, New York Times, 19 July 2026 Chewing involves biting or gnawing without necessarily swallowing. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026 This, along with lunch, is the gnawing concern at the back of the critic’s mind. — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for gnaw
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gnaw
  1. erode
  2. eat
Verb
  • Washington must take care, however, not to transfer defense responsibilities faster than allies can develop the capabilities to assume them—and not to do so in ways that erode trust, interoperability, and coordination.
    — Andrea Kendall-Taylor, Foreign Affairs, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The deck replacement is necessary because traffic loads on the span have become increasingly heavy, and salt air has eroded bridge materials.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of erode
Verb
  • Employee did not wash hands after handling raw food and changing gloves, before handling ready to eat foods.
    — NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Mick and Kip are out there eating from the same huge bag of chips.
    — George Saunders, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of eat

Phrases Containing gnaw

Browse Nearby Words

gnashing
gnaw
gnaw (at)
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gnaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gnaw. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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