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
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Also, the Cane Toad emits a toxin that irritates skin and eyes.—
Alan Clemons,
Outdoor Life,
20 Feb. 2025
-
Thankfully, the blood had come from an ongoing ear infection that Roxy had irritated during her panicked state.—
Tom Rogers,
Newsweek,
20 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The star wore her hair in a sleek braided bun with a single face-framing strand and accessorized her strappy peach Louis Vuitton gown with Chopard jewels.—
Kirsty Hatcher,
People.com,
28 Feb. 2025
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For the show Campbell wore a form-fitting leather jacket with a matching bodysuit.—
Robyn Mowatt,
Essence,
28 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Instead of getting annoyed, try again a few minutes later and remember, never vent your frustration to your cats.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
3 Mar. 2025
-
Since then, Lorenzo had been aggressive in pushing the Pinos to seek better medical expertise to get to the bottom of Tatiana’s health problems — an effort that reportedly annoyed Sergio.—
Catherine Odom,
Miami Herald,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
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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
-
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
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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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Spinrad said the cuts, especially of researchers who collect data that feeds into storm models, could erode the quality of hurricane forecasts going forward.—
Alex Harris,
Miami Herald,
1 Mar. 2025
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Despite creating jobs and potential environmental benefits, chronic mismanagement and escalating costs have eroded public trust, making continued taxpayer support irresponsible.—
Phillip Molnar,
The Mercury News,
28 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Gathering at Scripps Research’s third annual Pandemic Preparedness Symposium last week, researchers working in virology and chemistry did not bother to debate whether or not H5N1 avian influenza will clear this rapidly shrinking hurdle.—
Paul Sisson,
The Mercury News,
3 Mar. 2025
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As Caro settled into life in a new country, one thing often bothered him.—
Michael Butler,
Miami Herald,
28 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Chafe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chafe. Accessed 8 Mar. 2025.
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