1
as in tired
depleted in strength, energy, or freshness worn-out tourists heading back to their hotel after a hard day of sightseeing
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in tattered
worn or torn into or as if into rags used a worn-out T-shirt for dusting the furniture
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in worn
to use up all the physical energy of keeping up with twin toddlers wears me out
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of worn-out
Jason Fried, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2026 Characterized by their faded or worn-out effect, as if their original color had been lightened by washing, these beloved jeans stand out for their vintage and carefree air. —Mayte Salido, Glamour, 4 Jan. 2026 Palestinians have long called for mobile homes and caravans to be allowed in to protect them against living in impractical and worn-out tents. —Wafaa Shurafa, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2026 By contrast, the U.S. Air Force has only 16 serviceable AWACS, and these are the nearly obsolete and badly worn-out E-3G Sentry. —Justin Bronk, Foreign Affairs, 15 Dec. 2025 But faulty or worn-out tubes can result in water spewing onto sidewalks, Choltko explains. —Yvette Fernandez, NPR, 28 Aug. 2025 How cancer starts Cells produce more cells to grow, replace older or worn-out cells or to repair damaged tissues. —Julie Phillippi, The Conversation, 21 July 2025 Enduring a week’s worth of cold water plunges can jolt the body’s cells into starting the process of autophagy to clean up and recycle old, worn-out, and broken parts, according to a new study. —New Atlas, 31 Mar. 2025 Balenciaga, too, offered its takes on tailoring, opening its maze-like runway with slim, simple suits — some hand-creased, others worn-out — that felt less provocative than its usual offerings. —Alice Pfeiffer, CNN, 12 Mar. 2025
Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2026 Recent Pew Research Center polling said just over half of Americans feel worn out by news. —Stacey Barchenger, AZCentral.com, 1 Apr. 2026 To reinvigorate Kerr, who has appeared worn out at times this season, and who is working without a contract extension. —Sports Columnist, San Francisco Chronicle, 1 Apr. 2026 He was worn out from that camp. —Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 21 Mar. 2026 Similar robotics companies have already worn out their welcome in other US cities like Los Angeles and Chicago, as their delivery bots hog sidewalks, injure residents, and rampage through gardens. —Joe Wilkins Published Mar 19, Futurism, 19 Mar. 2026 By the time that question is posed, however, the device has worn out its welcome, reiterating the basic fact of the academic’s desire over and over again without complications or narrative advancement. —Alison Herman, Variety, 5 Mar. 2026 After this weekend, when the Producers Guild of America and Screen Actors Guild hand out their highly predictive precursors, the final shape of the Oscar race should be (reasonably) clear — and nominees worn out by months of campaigning will be breathing a sigh of relief. —Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026 Veterans worn out by last game In this three-team, four-quarter format, someone from Game 3 was always going to have to play in back-to-back games in the title matchup. —David K. Li, NBC news, 16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
Rentals tend to be shabby and worn-out, so choosing a home with the latest and greatest felt like a way to make the experience hassle-free. —Jason Fried, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2026 Characterized by their faded or worn-out effect, as if their original color had been lightened by washing, these beloved jeans stand out for their vintage and carefree air. —Mayte Salido, Glamour, 4 Jan. 2026 Palestinians have long called for mobile homes and caravans to be allowed in to protect them against living in impractical and worn-out tents. —Wafaa Shurafa, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2026 By contrast, the U.S. Air Force has only 16 serviceable AWACS, and these are the nearly obsolete and badly worn-out E-3G Sentry. —Justin Bronk, Foreign Affairs, 15 Dec. 2025 But faulty or worn-out tubes can result in water spewing onto sidewalks, Choltko explains. —Yvette Fernandez, NPR, 28 Aug. 2025 How cancer starts Cells produce more cells to grow, replace older or worn-out cells or to repair damaged tissues. —Julie Phillippi, The Conversation, 21 July 2025 Enduring a week’s worth of cold water plunges can jolt the body’s cells into starting the process of autophagy to clean up and recycle old, worn-out, and broken parts, according to a new study. —New Atlas, 31 Mar. 2025 Balenciaga, too, offered its takes on tailoring, opening its maze-like runway with slim, simple suits — some hand-creased, others worn-out — that felt less provocative than its usual offerings. —Alice Pfeiffer, CNN, 12 Mar. 2025
Verb
If any of the items are rusted, cracked, or worn out, now is a good time to replace them. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2026 Recent Pew Research Center polling said just over half of Americans feel worn out by news. —Stacey Barchenger, AZCentral.com, 1 Apr. 2026 To reinvigorate Kerr, who has appeared worn out at times this season, and who is working without a contract extension. —Sports Columnist, San Francisco Chronicle, 1 Apr. 2026 He was worn out from that camp. —Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 21 Mar. 2026 Similar robotics companies have already worn out their welcome in other US cities like Los Angeles and Chicago, as their delivery bots hog sidewalks, injure residents, and rampage through gardens. —Joe Wilkins Published Mar 19, Futurism, 19 Mar. 2026 By the time that question is posed, however, the device has worn out its welcome, reiterating the basic fact of the academic’s desire over and over again without complications or narrative advancement. —Alison Herman, Variety, 5 Mar. 2026 After this weekend, when the Producers Guild of America and Screen Actors Guild hand out their highly predictive precursors, the final shape of the Oscar race should be (reasonably) clear — and nominees worn out by months of campaigning will be breathing a sigh of relief. —Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026 Veterans worn out by last game In this three-team, four-quarter format, someone from Game 3 was always going to have to play in back-to-back games in the title matchup. —David K. Li, NBC news, 16 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for worn-out
Adjective
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If tired, float or tread water until out of the rip current.— NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 16 Apr. 2026
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Music lovers tired of paying hundreds of dollars to see big-name acts may be getting some relief.— Andy Sheehan, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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In the foreground of the painting was a car encampment with a tattered floral sheet woven through the windows, cloth tarps and couch cushions creating a shield against the elements.— Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
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Many wore tattered flip-flops or shoes that offered little protection.— CNN Money, CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The site’s latest satchel resembles The Row’s sold out Margaux, a style that celebrities like Kendall Jenner, Jennifer Lawrence, and Jennifer Garner have worn as far back as 2018.— Shea Simmons, PEOPLE, 20 Apr. 2026
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But the most recognizable style of loafer originated in Aurland, Norway, in 1930, when one Nils Gregoriussen Tveranger decided to combine the techniques of traditional Native American moccasin construction with the design of a simple shoe worn by local fisherman.— Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Households would receive a maximum credit of $5,000 per year until all funds are exhausted.— Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
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If there is a post-Games deficit the city is responsible for the first $270 million after the $270 million LA28 contingency fund is exhausted.— Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Her association with Nuyorican bandleader and timbalero Tito Puente provided the perfect transition from the honeyed sheen of La Matancera to the ragged, visceral feel of Seventies salsa.— Ernesto Lechner, Rolling Stone, 15 Apr. 2026
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Sharp mower blades also create cleaner cuts, which helps grass retain moisture instead of losing it through ragged blade tips.— Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2026
Verb
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None of this comes as news to British Jews, still reeling from an attack on a synagogue in Manchester on Yom Kippur last October, in which two people were killed.— Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 2026
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One person was killed and another hospitalized after a stabbing attack in Burbank Monday, according to authorities.— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Shortly after the full-time whistle blew on Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat at Manchester City, a weary team trudged over to the corner of the ground occupied by the travelling fans.— James McNicholas, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2026
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The storm-weary central US will finally get a breather starting Sunday as a welcome change in weather pattern ushers in cooler temperatures.— Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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For the second time in a week, the Dodgers made a minor-league acquisition of a faded pitching prospect with impressive velocity but poor control.— Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 18 Apr. 2026
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Meanwhile, Jenner is pictured wearing a pair of faded yellow jeans and a white tank top, paired with a belly chain.— Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 18 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Worn-out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/worn-out. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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