There are several synonyms for the phrase "chew food," including masticate, grind, crunch, gnaw, and bite. When we chew our food, we are breaking down the texture and making it easier to digest. Chewing also helps to release enzymes in our mouth that start the digestion process. Masticating is the act of using our teeth to grind food into smaller pieces and is particularly important for harder foods like meats and vegetables. We may also crunch or gnaw on foods like chips or carrots. Biting is a similar action, but it is not necessarily related to breaking down food and can be used in a variety of contexts.