The phrase "wears away" describes the process of gradually losing something over time. There are several other synonyms for this phrase, including "erodes," which refers to the gradual wearing down of something by friction or corrosion. "Dissolves," on the other hand, implies something disappearing as it is broken down into other substances. "Fades" and "diminishes" describe the gradual loss of something's brightness, clarity, or intensity. Another synonym is "deteriorates," which suggests a gradual decline in something's quality or condition. Finally, "degrades" refers to the process of breaking down something's structure or composition, resulting in its eventual decay or destruction.