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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

It’s a strong start for a story about how, amid hardship and desperation, compassion can wear thin.

From New York Times • Dec. 5, 2024

Tempers began to wear thin in the close quarters.

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