ATTRITION Synonyms: 12 Similar and Opposite Words

attrition

noun

ə-ˈtri-shən

Definition of attrition

as in erosion

a gradual weakening, loss, or destruction took the machinery out of operation since attrition had led to the main mechanism's breaking

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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 attrition The Red Wolves lost their dynamic quarterback Jaylen Raynor to Iowa State and saw attrition on a defensive line that was the lone bright spot at times for the team last season. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Aug. 2026 McCormick was signed off the street because of the attrition the Niners faced early in camp at the running back position. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2026 Andrei Klepach, a former deputy economy minister, was reportedly fired after presenting a report warning that Russia could not win a prolonged war of attrition with Ukraine and predicting a major social crisis. — Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026 There’s always the possibility that a third running back will be counted on due to regular attrition at the position, however. — Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for attrition

Recent Examples of Synonyms for attrition

erosion

Noun

Not Mulching Soil needs to be covered to retain moisture and prevent erosion.

— Lauren David, Southern Living, 27 Aug. 2026
By the twentieth century, intensive farming practices had left the South dangerously vulnerable to erosion, producing depleted swaths of land where kudzu would later flourish.

— The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of erosion

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attributions

attrition

attritions

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“Attrition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attrition. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of attrition

noun

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