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gnaws

present tense third-person singular of gnaw
as in erodes
to consume or wear away gradually time has gnawed that author's reputation to the point where he rates little more than a footnote

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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 gnaws The end of his tenure with the Cubs gnaws it him. Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gnaws
Verb
  • If the veracity and reliability of government data are regularly criticized and devalued by the administration anytime the facts contradict the administration’s positions, and those who speak out are at risk of losing their jobs, trust in all government data, and the agencies themselves, erodes.
    Sheldon Jacobson, Twin Cities, 25 Sep. 2025
  • That erodes public trust in the armed forces.
    Kristina Mani, The Conversation, 23 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • This eats like a parfait—everything is all together in one perfect bite.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2025
  • When a dog eats xylitol, its blood sugar may first rise too high, then drop dangerously low.
    Merve Ceylan, Health, 24 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Gnaws.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gnaws. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.

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