wear thin

phrase

1
: to become weak or ready to give way
my patience was wearing thin
2
: to become trite, unconvincing, or out-of-date
an argument that quickly wore thin

Examples of wear thin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Angel City’s sporting director Mark Parsons is taking a methodical approach to hiring a coach at a time when patience among fans and players is wearing thin. — Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026 Challenged by both pro-Thaksin forces and progressive orange parties, its old methods—military coups, dodgy deals, party bans, the judicial removal of prime ministers—were wearing thin. — Duncan McCargo, Foreign Affairs, 24 Aug. 2026 The result has been what some perceive as an erratic approach – and one Bacon said is wearing thin. — Zac Anderson, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2026 Hunsaker Ryan told advocates the state had no timeline on filing a public health order but that state officials’ patience was wearing thin. — Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wear thin

Rhymes for wear thin

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Browse Nearby Words

wear the trousers
wear thin
wear through
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wear thin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wear%20thin. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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