What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
nibbled
Example
She nibbled on the cookie, savoring each bite. [nibbled: verb]
Example
The rabbit nibbled on the carrot, taking small bites. [nibbled: past tense]
gnawed
Example
The dog gnawed on the bone until it was completely clean. [gnawed: verb]
Example
The termite gnawed through the wood, causing significant damage. [gnawed: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nibbled is less common than gnawed in everyday language. Nibbled is typically used in the context of eating food, while gnawed can be used in a wider range of contexts, such as describing the behavior of animals or the process of decay.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between nibbled and gnawed?
Both nibbled and gnawed are informal words and are not typically used in formal writing or speech.
