WEAR DOWN Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

wear down

verb

Definition of wear down

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 Cleveland Clinic warns that hard bristles and heavy pressure can wear down enamel and damage gum tissue. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2026 That standard reaction produces high-energy neutrons, which wear down reactor walls over time. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2026 The ceaseless Russian drone attacks on cities and towns aim to wear down Ukraine’s resistance and cripple the Ukrainian economy. — ABC News, 28 Sep. 2026 Days upon days of such exposure—whether world news, industry warnings, or team and personal setbacks—can wear down well-being and performance until work starts to feel pointless. — Harvard Business Review, 22 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wear down

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wear down

Verb

Weak link Assuming a longer time horizon is required for returns on AI capital, the neocloud sector could be the weak link in the AI value chain, especially because its equipment wears out and needs to be replaced so often.

— Tobias Burns, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026
These reactions require a lot of energy, which can reduce the efficiency of zinc-air batteries and cause their materials to wear out faster.

— Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of wear out

Verb

Kendall teaches children and teenagers to break down anxiety-provoking situations, such as finding friends to sit with in the cafeteria or asking someone for a date, into smaller steps and planning what to do if something goes wrong.

— Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
For the first time in Oppenheim’s career, his relationship with a subject broke down seemingly beyond repair.

— Alex Barasch, Vulture, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of break down

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wear (away)

wear down

wearied

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

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Synonyms of wear down

verb

Example Sentences

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