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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.

But what if bad things started to chip away at their retirement savings just as they were starting?

From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026

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

From BBC • Mar. 2, 2026

I just had to put my head down and run my best race and maybe—just maybe—I’d chip away at that 10-minute lead.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 1, 2026

“Families may feel some relief at the pump, yet everyday essentials continue to chip away at budgets,” Kate said.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 13, 2026

If one of those fit, Elizebeth could use it to chip away at the rest of the puzzle.

From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield

chip away at

Example Sentences

Related Words