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gnaw

 
 
pronunciation:
naw
parts of speech:
transitive verb, intransitive verb
features:
Word Combinations (verb), Word Explorer
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: gnaws, gnawing, gnawed
definition 1: to bite or chew repeatedly on.
a dog gnawing a bone
 
synonyms:
chew
similar words:
bite, champ, eat, masticate, munch, nibble, ruminate
definition 2: to make or shape by gnawing.
The mouse gnawed a hole in the cupboard.
synonyms:
chew, eat
similar words:
corrode, nibble, wear
definition 3: to wear away gradually, as if by gnawing.
The fierce sea gnaws the shore.
synonyms:
corrode, erode, fret
similar words:
devour, eat, wear
definition 4: to annoy, afflict, or trouble, esp. over a period of time.
Anxiety gnaws him day and night.
synonyms:
afflict, annoy, torment, trouble
similar words:
distress, eat, exasperate, irk, irritate, nettle, rankle, vex, worry
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition 1: to bite or chew repeatedly.
synonyms:
chew
similar words:
champ, masticate, munch, nibble
definition 2: to cause a gradual wearing away, as if by gnawing.
synonyms:
eat
similar words:
fret
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
derivation: gnawable (adj.)
Word Explorer
See
  animal, rodent