as in to grind
to reduce to fine particles eons of incessant pounding by the waves have comminuted the once-rocky shoreline into a bed of fine-grained sand

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 comminute The report of displacement (out of alignment) is not as worrisome as if the fracture was comminuted (pieces). Profootballdoc, sandiegouniontribune.com, 5 Nov. 2017 Also, this prognosis is rooted in my hopefulness the fracture is not comminuted (in multiple pieces), as that might prolong the timeline by a couple of weeks. Profootballdoc, sandiegouniontribune.com, 16 Oct. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comminute
Verb
  • Which country can field the best fiber-optic drones, and fastest, should have the edge as Russia’s wider war on Ukraine grinds into its fourth year.
    David Axe, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
  • It’s certified organic by the JAS (Japanese Agricultural Standards), which is recognized by the USDA, and it’s produced and ground into powder in Kagoshima, Japan.
    Lauryn Jiles, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • My heart started pounding a little after Sigmon's lawyer read his final statement.
    Jeffrey Collins, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2025
  • The overnight barrage -- which also pounded residences and wounded at least 10 people -- came days after the U.S. suspended military aid and intelligence to Ukraine to pressure it into accepting a peace deal being pushed by the Trump administration.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 8 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Britney Haynes once again crushed the reality TV dreams of Danielle Reyes, this time on the season 3 finale of The Traitors.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 7 Mar. 2025
  • The curator, Makeda Best, grounds it in images of the crushing routine and casual camaraderie of the office and the factory floor.
    Vince Aletti, The New Yorker, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Standing in front of black and white curtains, Abuja Area Mama powders her face.
    Damisola Sulaiman, The Dial, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Soot blew in through gaps and cracks, sneaked under doors and snowed down from vents, homeowners said, powdering their carpets, closets, couches, pillows and quilts.
    Jack Healy, New York Times, 20 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • While those comps are impressive, 2023 numbers were not very tough to beat.
    David Moin, WWD, 7 Mar. 2025
  • The pick is for Turner to beat Bahamondes via knockout.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • In a second, every dog in the pack was milling over us like an irresistible flood over an inadequate dam.
    Frank C. Hibben, Outdoor Life, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Loud hip-hop music boomed over the PA system, and attendees of all ages feverishly milled about.
    Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 21 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The blockage is pulverized to particles smaller than the size of a red blood cell that harmlessly exit the bloodstream.
    Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Garlic supplements usually consist of dried and pulverized whole cloves.
    Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 22 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Millions of lives were at stake in the simulation, as government heads raced to decide whether or not to rocket nuclear warheads to deflect the asteroid or completely disintegrate it.
    Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Were we placed under the same unforgiving microscope, even the most robust self-confidence would disintegrate, and fast.
    Morgan Fargo, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2025

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“Comminute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comminute. Accessed 16 Mar. 2025.

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