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
Judy Berman, Time, 23 May 2025
Sturdy posts at the front of the shoes connect to a flip-flop style design that won’t irritate or chafe your skin, while the supportive insoles are far better-suited for days spent on your feet than flimsy, cheaper sandals.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 23 May 2025
Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 21 Jan. 2025
Add a moisture-wicking, chafe-preventing stick or powder to your routine, like Mega Babe’s Thigh Rescue or old faithful, Gold Bond Body Powder, to sop up excess wetness before discomfort occurs.
—Sarah Kinonen, Allure, 27 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for chafe
Verb
Youssef makes Jeff bro-ish enough to hang with this crowd but outsider enough to chafe at its hubris.
—Judy Berman, Time, 23 May 2025
Sturdy posts at the front of the shoes connect to a flip-flop style design that won’t irritate or chafe your skin, while the supportive insoles are far better-suited for days spent on your feet than flimsy, cheaper sandals.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 23 May 2025
Noun
On This may look like a low impact-worthy set, but the fabric is advanced enough for high-sweat sessions, offering chafe-free support and moisture-wicking capabilities.
—Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 21 Jan. 2025
Add a moisture-wicking, chafe-preventing stick or powder to your routine, like Mega Babe’s Thigh Rescue or old faithful, Gold Bond Body Powder, to sop up excess wetness before discomfort occurs.
—Sarah Kinonen, Allure, 27 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for chafe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chafe
Verb
-
Spicy foods: Spicy foods may irritate the stomach and intestines, which could worsen or extend food poisoning symptoms.—
Merve Ceylan,
Health,
21 June 2025
-
This will irritate them and also decrease their likelihood of returning.—
Bartosz Skwarczek,
Forbes.com,
16 June 2025
Verb
-
Anyone who doesn’t wear a uniform speaks in a whisper.—
Rav Grewal-Kök
June 16,
Literary Hub,
16 June 2025
-
Everybody at Berkeley was wearing those kind of hippie-dippie sandals, but these are a little chicer.—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
16 June 2025
Verb
-
If your idea of patience looks like being endlessly agreeable, never getting annoyed, and staying calm through any inconvenience….—
Jenna Ryu,
SELF,
17 June 2025
-
We get used to it quickly, and will be annoyed when it is replaced.—
Roger Dooley,
Forbes.com,
16 June 2025
Noun
-
Editors’ Picks 36 Hours in Rome Living the Slop Life Image Some online commentators have expressed indignation about the online content, saying that the banter about a Catholic leader is offensive.—
Emma Bubola,
New York Times,
7 May 2025
-
As the film progresses, this wide-eyed curiosity shifts to righteous indignation, but these reactions are muddled by her feelings for Basem.—
Hannah Giorgis,
The Atlantic,
11 Apr. 2025
Noun
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This small step goes a long way in preventing abrasion and preserving the linen’s natural sheen. 5.—
Lauren Alexis Fisher,
Footwear News,
12 June 2025
-
For another, the fake arm wouldn’t attest to the abrasions and other wounds the prosecution says prove a strike.—
Flint McColgan,
Boston Herald,
6 June 2025
Verb
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Traditional metrics like likes, shares and views only scratch the surface.—
Jehan Hamedi,
Forbes.com,
9 June 2025
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It is crafted from 100 percent fir wood that’s durable enough to withstand everything from cat scratches to wind gusts.—
Maggie Horton,
People.com,
7 June 2025
Verb
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Opaque brokerage fees can erode returns, while fraud is a constant risk.—
Paul Caputo,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
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Critics warned that such measures could erode due process rights and destabilize the legal status of millions of permanent residents.—
Nick Mordowanec,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 June 2025
Verb
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Also on this episode: With Emmy nomination voting ending on Monday, the Roundtable takes one more look at the major categories, how the number of submissions has changed some of the competition and who didn’t bother to join in.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
20 June 2025
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Orban said in February that organisers should not even bother organizing Pride in Budapest this year.—
Reuters,
CNN Money,
19 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Chafe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chafe. Accessed 26 Jun. 2025.
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