Showing results for chip away at. Search instead for chipped+away+at.

chip away at

VERB

try

Synonyms

STRONGEST

attack seek struggle work

STRONG

aim aspire compete contend contest endeavor essay labor propose risk speculate strive tackle undertake venture wrangle

WEAK

bear down do one's best drive for exert oneself go after go all out go for have a crack have a go have a shot have a stab have a whack knock oneself out lift a finger make a bid make a pass at make an attempt make an effort put oneself out shoot for vie for

Antonyms

STRONGEST

idle laze rest surrender

STRONG

abstain agree be idle forget give in give up ignore neglect

WEAK

delight please

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.

Newsom, now in his final year in office, has sought to chip away at California’s cost of living.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

That reading, in fact, could sharpen investor focus on the impacts of the war, particularly with respect to inflation concerns, and chip away at the early gains forecast for Wall Street.

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

This means you won’t receive as large a refund during tax season, but having consistently higher paychecks can help you chip away at that $30,000.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 11, 2026

Noah's prediction: Arsenal just chip away at teams, don't they?

From BBC • Mar. 2, 2026

Why go through the motions of getting an education and watch the war slowly chip away at the one thing I had loved here, the peace, the measureless, careless peace of the Devon summer?

From "A Separate Peace" by John Knowles

chip away at

Example Sentences

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