Synonyms for
Grinding
Definition
The act of sharpening or smoothing something by rubbing it against a hard surface.
Synonyms & similar words
labor
grate
crunch
moil
travail
comminute
abrasion
labour
craunch
attrition
grind
mash
dig
cranch
fag
bray
detrition
drudge
toil
crushing
pulverizing
milling
sharpening
whetting
polishing
buffing
abrasion
scraping
grating
scratching
rubbing
filing
sandpapering
smoothing
lapping
hone
edge
grindstone
emery
Synonyms by register
Formal
Informal
Literary
Antonyms
Common collocations
- grinding halt
- grinding noise
- grinding poverty
- grinding work
- grinding teeth
- grinding process
- grinding down
Word family
Usage note
The informal sense of 'grind' often refers to hard, monotonous work or a difficult routine. Be mindful of the context, as 'grinding' can also describe a literal abrasive action or a difficult, slow process.
Example sentences
- The sound of the gears grinding was loud and annoying.
- I saw him grinding his teeth in frustration.
- She was grinding the spices carefully in her mortar.
- The skateboarder was grinding on the rail.
- The coffee shop had a special grinder for their beans.
Quotes
Life is a grindstone. Whether it grinds us down or polishes us up depends on us.
Grinding is the act of living a life that grinds us down. We can either be crushed or shine through in the process.
The grind never stops, but neither does the shine.