1
2
as in to wear
to damage or diminish by continued friction
constant stepping on a rope will gradually chafe it, rendering it unsafe for rock climbing
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to annoy
to disturb the peace of mind of (someone) especially by repeated disagreeable acts
nothing chafes us so much as those telemarketers who call during the dinner hour
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in indignation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in abrasion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of chafe
Greg McKenna, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2024
Some might have chafed at all the notes, but Jam took Prince’s tutoring the right way.
—Paul Grein, Billboard, 2 Feb. 2025
Sara Holdren, Vulture, 3 May 2024
The test of their model will be its ability to restrain a growing capitalist class that often chafes against the overweening power of the state bureaucracy.
—Branko Milanovic, Foreign Affairs, 10 Dec. 2019
See All Example Sentences for chafe
Verb
That resulted in massive financial support from the industry, which had chafed against the more restrictive policies of the Biden administration.
—Greg McKenna, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2024
Some might have chafed at all the notes, but Jam took Prince’s tutoring the right way.
—Paul Grein, Billboard, 2 Feb. 2025
Noun
But for much of the show, Abigail serves as the primary narrator, and her delivery chafes.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 3 May 2024
The test of their model will be its ability to restrain a growing capitalist class that often chafes against the overweening power of the state bureaucracy.
—Branko Milanovic, Foreign Affairs, 10 Dec. 2019
See All Example Sentences for chafe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chafe
Verb
-
Thankfully, the blood had come from an ongoing ear infection that Roxy had irritated during her panicked state.—
Tom Rogers,
Newsweek,
20 Feb. 2025
-
Also, the Cane Toad emits a toxin that irritates skin and eyes.—
Alan Clemons,
Outdoor Life,
20 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
As the United States waged war in Vietnam in the 1960s, the Supreme Court said a Des Moines high school could not prevent students from wearing black armbands in support of a truce.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA TODAY,
17 Feb. 2025
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Timothée Chalamet wore a black Bottega Veneta suit with a Cartier necklace that featured a panther pendant.—
Hikmat Mohammed,
WWD,
16 Feb. 2025
Verb
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There was nothing quite like watching Ted win the hearts of everyone around him, from the woman who literally set him up to fail, Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham) to the ready-to-retire and always annoyed Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein).—
EW.com,
EW.com,
19 Feb. 2025
-
He's heard perhaps the university chancellor at the time of the formula's creation annoyed the wrong person, and UW-Whitewater has been shorted ever since.—
Kelly Meyerhofer,
Journal Sentinel,
19 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
If Jude’s previous two fiction films were Molotov cocktails of indignation, his latest secretes a kind of scentless poison that gets at the banality with which social injustices are processed and rationalized.—
Beatrice Loayza,
New York Times,
21 Feb. 2025
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There was a pervasive sense of indignation from current and former European officials, who have funneled significant aid to Ukraine and are deeply worried about how a ceasefire deal could impact the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) eastern edge.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
15 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Additionally, aloe vera is often used for muscle pain, bruises, cuts, abrasions, and inflammation to the skin from burns and frostbite; many studies support its use to improve wound healing and reduce skin inflammation, itching, and irritation.—
Atenea Morales de la Cruz,
Vogue,
13 Feb. 2025
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Mapped polyurethane overlays add abrasion and penetration resistance to key areas, while low-wear areas go without the protection in order to maintain breathability.—
Wes Siler,
Outside Online,
6 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Ava flashes scratches on her forearm, courtesy of Isabella’s fingernails.—
San Diego Union-Tribune,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 Feb. 2025
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So was Kyle Connor, who was scratched on Thursday for Chris Kreider, who played a second straight game.—
Michael Russo,
The Athletic,
21 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Some industry leaders likewise wonder whether the Swiss Made label has begun to erode the very trust it was intended to secure, but few if any brands are actively clarifying their practices in marketing materials.—
Allen Farmelo,
Robb Report,
17 Feb. 2025
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Those prints found in clay are known to erode away in a matter of days or weeks — just like fresh animal tracks, the company says.—
Mark Price,
Miami Herald,
14 Feb. 2025
Verb
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He is also bothered that the revenue is going to transit and the toll is not geared solely to curbing traffic.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
20 Feb. 2025
-
Darvish, who was with the Dodgers, said then and now that he was not bothered by the incident, for which Gurriel served a five-game suspension in 2018.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Chafe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chafe. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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