Definitions

wear thin

VERB

fray

Synonyms

STRONGEST

erode frazzle unravel wear away

STRONG

chafe fret ravel rip rub tatter tear wear

WEAK

become ragged become threadbare

Antonyms

STRONG

please sew

VERB

wear

Synonyms

STRONGEST

rub

STRONG

abrade chafe consume crumble decay decline decrease deteriorate diminish drain dwindle erode exhaust fade fatigue fray gall graze grind impair jade overuse overwork scrape scuff shrink tax tire waste weary weather

WEAK

be worthless become threadbare become worn cut down go to seed scrape off use up wash away wear out

Antonyms

STRONG

activate build construct develop energize enlarge enliven expand extend grow improve increase invigorate make happy refresh save strengthen

WEAK

cheer delight disrobe freshen please rebuild refuse reject take off

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.

Hopefully, that mirth is starting to wear thin.

From Salon • Jan. 2, 2026

The arguments about the past may wear thin.

From BBC • Nov. 22, 2025

But the “companies are just better” excuse starts to wear thin when the gold standard of valuation enters the discussion.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 4, 2025

They filled in the cracks when veteran players slumped, or when the bullpen would wear thin.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 1, 2024

Tempers began to wear thin in the close quarters.

From "Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World" by Jennifer Armstrong

wear thin

Example Sentences

Related Words