Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for gnawing. Search instead for gnawin.
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.

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

From Science Daily • Feb. 7, 2026

For anyone in Caroline's situation, simply seeing a parent with a pram can be painful, the source of a gnawing envy.

From BBC • Jan. 15, 2026

AI could be one, as well: The very thing powering the stock market to records might be gnawing away at Americans’ sense of well being.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 18, 2025

Those rate increases surpassed average inflation rates and wage growth, KFF said, providing another reminder of the costs gnawing at households.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 22, 2025

Boaz gallantly offered to pay, and Clara tried ignoring the gnawing guilt in her chest.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny