gnawing

Biting bit by bit

Gnawing describes persistent biting or chewing, the way a rodent works at something with its teeth: a dog gnawing on a bone.

More often the word is figurative—a gnawing doubt, a gnawing hunger, a gnawing sense of guilt.

The image is of something that won't stop wearing at you.

chewing

bite

Pierce with teeth

chompLoud, vigorous mouthwork
crunchCrushing, grinding noise
gnashGrind teeth together

teeth · incisors · molars · rodent · beaver · rat · squirrel · bone · rawhide · grinding

pain

ache

Persistent dull discomfort

throbbingRhythmic painful pulsing
persistentContinuing despite difficulty
naggingPersistent bothering or complaining

dull · chronic · hunger · stomach · emptiness · pang · discomfort · soreness · cramping · constant

worry

doubt

Lack of firm belief

anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
suspicionSense of unease about motives
guiltMoral self-reproach

unease · fear · dread · concern · apprehension · nagging · persistent · conscience · uncertainty · insecurity

Categories

eatingbiting, swallowing, nibbling, munching, chomping
animal behaviorsswimming, running, walking, jumping, flying
bodily sensationspain, ache, tingling, burning, numbness
body painache, aches, pain, pang, throb
chewingmastication, grinding, biting, chomping, munching
fidgetingfidgeting, fidget, tapping, fiddle, finger tapping

Opposites

eating method

gnawinggulping

Swallowing hastily, noisily

swallowing · devouring · gobbling · bolting · gorging

sensation quality

gnawingsoothing

Reducing distress or discomfort

comforting · easing · calming · relieving · peaceful

persistence/duration

gnawingfleeting

Passing very quickly

momentary · brief · passing · transient · sporadic

Phrases

gnawing painPersistent, grinding discomfort
gnawing hungerIntense, persistent need to eat

Family

Familiarity: Top 50,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G