Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

gnawing

[naw-ing] / ˈnɔ ɪŋ /
ADJECTIVE
sharp
Synonyms
STRONG
acuminate barbed edged fine honed horned jagged keen peaked piercing pointed
WEAK
aciculate acuate acuminous acute apical briery cuspate cuspidate ground fine keen-edged knife-edged knifelike lancinating needle-pointed needlelike poin
Antonyms
STRONG
blunt dull

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.

Citrus greening disease is caused by a bacterial infection that is delivered by the gnawing of the Asian citrus psyllid.

From Slate • Apr. 20, 2026

Healthcare, housing, car payments, groceries and energy bills are the costs really gnawing at wallets, according to an analysis from the trade organization.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 19, 2026

Nothing prepared me for the gnawing unease of pivoting from saving to spending.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

Evidence includes a hominin femur marked by clear signs of gnawing.

From Science Daily • Feb. 7, 2026

She was already at work with her sharp teeth, gnawing at the string.

From "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH" by Robert C. O'Brien