Synonyms for

Chew

Verb / tʃu: / Another word for chew — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to bite and grind food with the teeth

Synonyms & similar words

jaw mastication chewing quid masticate manducate manduction plug chaw wad cud munch gnaw chomp crunch chaw chump bite chisel consume eat masticate nibble ruminate

Synonyms by register

Formal

masticate process

Informal

gnaw chomps munch

Literary

grind champ

Antonyms

swallow gulp ingest bolt devour

Common collocations

  • chew on this
  • chew the fat
  • chew gum
  • chew your food
  • chew over
  • chew up
  • chew down

Word family

noun chew
verb chew
adjective chewy

Usage note

While 'chew' is the common term, 'masticate' is a more formal or scientific synonym. 'Chew the fat' is an idiom meaning to chat casually.

Example sentences

  1. I need to chew my food well before I swallow it.
  2. The dog likes to chew on bones.
  3. She chews gum all the time.
  4. I can hear you chewing with your mouth open.
  5. He chews tobacco and spits it out.

Quotes

  • I chew and chew on things until they no longer have any taste.
  • Chew your food well, or you won't get the nutrients you need.
  • I never realized how much I chew on my pen until I ran out of ink.

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