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
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of chafe
David Aldridge, The Athletic, 8 Aug. 2024
An alternative to chafing dishes is an electric warming mat.
—Christopher Murray, Fox News, 26 Sep. 2024
Branko Milanovic, Foreign Affairs, 10 Dec. 2019
Rhaenyra’s devious uncle-husband, Daemon (Matt Smith), chafes under her cautious command.
—Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
See all Example Sentences for chafe 
Verb
Even if the weight of all that came before them chafes their shoulders.
—David Aldridge, The Athletic, 8 Aug. 2024
An alternative to chafing dishes is an electric warming mat.
—Christopher Murray, Fox News, 26 Sep. 2024
Noun
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
Rhaenyra’s devious uncle-husband, Daemon (Matt Smith), chafes under her cautious command.
—Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
See all Example Sentences for chafe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chafe
Verb
-
Prolonged exposure to vog can irritate the eyes, throat and lungs, particularly for those with preexisting respiratory conditions.—
Yaakov Katz,
Newsweek,
17 Jan. 2025
-
Rising temperatures also accelerate the production of ground-level ozone, a harmful gas that irritates airways and can trigger asthma attacks.—
Bill Frist,
Forbes,
15 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Since the original 110-mile ribbon of the turnpike opened in 1957, workers have manned the tiny booths 24 hours a day to accept tolls -the last dozen years wearing those iconic retro Florida shirts.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
23 Jan. 2025
-
Contrast this with the simplicity of the looks worn in the earlier years of the league.—
Robyn Mowatt,
Essence,
23 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Patrice O’Neal did a wonderful job of being annoyed.—
Mikey O'Connell,
The Hollywood Reporter,
24 Jan. 2025
-
Together the besties are annoyed by the mundanity of their jobs, from fielding ridiculous customer complaints to suffering the indignity of having their service summoned by a bell on a pop-up flag installed on the tables.—
Courtney Howard,
Variety,
16 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Not only was Allen a known conservative, but his series spoke to the same sense of righteous indignation felt by the MAGA clan.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
8 Jan. 2025
-
This seemingly small, personal decision triggers absolute indignation in her husband, parents, and siblings.—
Ilana Masad,
The Atlantic,
3 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Less abrasion on the surface helps denim maintain its color.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
15 Jan. 2025
-
The draft – which places a limit on particulate emissions from brake abrasion of 3-11 mg per kilometre per vehicle – was adopted by the European Union countries, as well as eight others.—
Laurie Winkless,
Forbes,
18 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
For seeds with a hard seed coat, scraping them on 150-grit sandpaper scratches the seed coat enough to allow the seed to soak up or imbibe water.—
Markis Hill,
Kansas City Star,
17 Jan. 2025
-
Many lawyers are also scratching their heads over Drake’s case.—
Justin Curto,
Vulture,
16 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Over time, the adequacy of these labels has further eroded as Asian Americans and Latino/as have become even more heterogeneous.—
Jane Hong / Made by History,
TIME,
24 Jan. 2025
-
Some market watchers said such moves would help weaken the dollar, bolstering exports and eroding America’s huge trade deficit, a point of frustration for Trump.—
Andrew Ross Sorkin,
New York Times,
24 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Theresa’s nose has been bothering her and one of her children has asthma.—
Simmone Shah,
TIME,
26 Jan. 2025
-
Ludvig Aberg, who shared the second-round lead with Griffin, was bothered by illness throughout the round.—
Kirk Kenney,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near chafe
Cite this Entry
“Chafe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chafe. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
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