chipping

VERB

knock a piece out of

Synonyms

STRONGEST

chop crack hack nick splinter whack

STRONG

break chisel clip crumble damage flake fragment gash hackle hew incise notch shape shear slash slice sliver snick snip split whittle

WEAK

crack off cut away cut off

Antonyms

STRONGEST

fix mend

STRONG

build combine increase join put together

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.

Pressure built up, which cracked the heat shield and ultimately resulted in larger pieces chipping off during the final reentry.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Dimon also has reason to worry about rivals chipping away at JPMorgan’s business.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

You also need to superproof your financial future before chipping away at funds that are, I hope, continuing to make money for you.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

The ball bounced favourably for Darcy Graham after Thompson's charged down kick and he gleefully took full advantage, chipping the ball over Keenan before touching down ahead of Gibson-Park.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

On the day after he found out she wasn’t returning, he flew to Lewiston, Idaho, and when he came back, he spent three days chipping away at the fireplace hidden behind the plaster wall.

From "Walk Two Moons" by Sharon Creech