eats
/iːts/
VERB
1. To consume food
To take food into the body by putting it in the mouth, chewing, and swallowing it.
1.1. Consuming food for nourishment
To eat food to obtain nourishment or satisfy hunger.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- She eats a healthy breakfast before going to work.
- He eats three balanced meals every day.
Related Words
- nourishes
- digests
- takes in
- feeds on
1.2. Eating eagerly or in large quantities
To consume food enthusiastically, rapidly, or in unusually large amounts.
Synonyms
- devours
- gorges
- gulps
- bolts
- wolfs
- munches
- nibbles
- overeats
- pigs out
Examples
- The hungry child eats everything on his plate.
- He eats so quickly that he barely tastes his food.
Related Words
- feasts
- gluts
- gormandizes
- snacks
1.3. Dining or having a meal
To have a meal, especially as part of a social occasion or at a restaurant.
Synonyms
Examples
- The family eats together every Sunday.
- They often eat out at their favorite restaurant.
Related Words
- meals
- repasts
- refreshments
- snacks
VERB
2. To use up or consume resources
To consume, exhaust, or gradually use up something such as money, time, or supplies.
2.1. Consuming or exhausting resources
To use up something gradually, reducing the amount that remains available.
Synonyms
- consumes
- uses up
- depletes
- exhausts
- devours
- drains
Antonyms
- preserves
- conserves
- saves
Examples
- The project eats up most of the company's annual budget.
- Unexpected expenses eat into their savings.
Related Words
- spends
- wastes
- diminishes
- reduces
VERB
3. To cause someone to worry
To trouble or distress someone persistently, especially through worry, guilt, or anxiety.
3.1. Causing persistent worry or distress
To trouble someone's mind continuously or make someone feel anxious or uneasy.
Synonyms
- worries
- troubles
- torments
- plagues
- preys on
- gnaws at
- distresses
Antonyms
- comforts
- reassures
- soothes
- consoles
Examples
- The unanswered question eats at him every night.
- Guilt about the incident eats away at her conscience.
Related Words
- frets
- agonizes
- concerns
- upsets
VERB
4. To corrode or erode
To gradually wear away, damage, or destroy a material through chemical or physical action.
4.1. Gradually wearing away a material
To damage or remove the surface of something through corrosion, abrasion, or erosion.
Synonyms
- corrodes
- erodes
- abrades
- gnaws
- wears away
- decomposes
Examples
- Moisture slowly eats away at the metal structure.
- The chemicals eat through the protective coating.
Related Words
- disintegrates
- dissolves
- scrapes
- grinds
NOUN
5. Food or prepared dishes
Food or items prepared for consumption, often referring informally to meals, snacks, or dishes.
5.1. Food available to eat
Food, meals, or snacks considered as items to be consumed.
Synonyms
Examples
- The festival offers a variety of international eats.
- We stopped for some late-night eats after the movie.
Related Words
- nourishment
- sustenance
- provisions
- refreshments
- tidbits