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chip away at

VERB

try

Synonyms

STRONGEST

attack seek struggle work

STRONG

aim aspire compete contend contest endeavor essay labor propose risk speculate strive tackle undertake venture wrangle

WEAK

bear down do one's best drive for exert oneself go after go all out go for have a crack have a go have a shot have a stab have a whack knock oneself out lift a finger make a bid make a pass at make an attempt make an effort put oneself out shoot for vie for

Antonyms

STRONGEST

idle laze rest surrender

STRONG

abstain agree be idle forget give in give up ignore neglect

WEAK

delight please

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Over time, it may even chip away at your peace of mind.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 8, 2026

Firefighters were eventually forced to melt it down after fans attempted to thaw the sculpture with blowtorches and chip away at it with sledgehammers.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

That reading, in fact, could sharpen investor focus on the impacts of the war, particularly with respect to inflation concerns, and chip away at the early gains forecast for Wall Street.

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

This means you won’t receive as large a refund during tax season, but having consistently higher paychecks can help you chip away at that $30,000.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 11, 2026

Returning to his chair, he watched in fascination as the gleaming, diamondlike claws continued to chip away at the shell.

From "Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher" by Bruce Coville

chip away at

Example Sentences

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