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.

But the whole joke is wearing thin for many European leaders.

From BBC

“Right, let’s just get through Antarctica,” Mr. MacPherson said, his patience wearing thin.

From Literature

Hopefully, that mirth is starting to wear thin.

From Salon

Yet patience on that promise is wearing thin, especially given how the season had ended less than an hour before.

From Los Angeles Times

The arguments about the past may wear thin.

From BBC