Synonyms for

Gnaw

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

Definition

to bite or chew on something repeatedly, often causing damage

Synonyms & similar words

eatat gnawat erode wearaway chew bite nibble munch devour erode corrode grind file whittle shave scrape scratch rub polish hone buff smooth

Example sentences

  1. The mouse gnawed through the cheese to get to the other side.
  2. The beaver likes to gnaw on trees to build its dam.
  3. I could hear my dog gnawing on his bone from across the room.
  4. If you keep gnawing on your pencil, it will break!
  5. The rust caused the metal to gnaw away over time.

Quotes

  • The rat gnaws the rope, yet cannot reach the cheese. - Chinese Proverb
  • We cannot tell what may happen to us in the strange medley of life. But we can decide what happens in us—how we can take it, what we do with it—and that is what really counts in the end. - Joseph Fort Newton
  • Worry is like a rocking chair: it gives you something to do but never gets you anywhere. - Erma Bombeck

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words