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
News Desk, Artforum, 19 Nov. 2024
In the twentieth century, innovative artists chafed against high ticket prices and the constraints of tradition: players facing one way and the audience facing the other, for example, and a whole range of unspoken commandments.
—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 16 Oct. 2024
Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
But Miller chafes at the notion that Furiosa could be accused of fan service.
—Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 8 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for chafe 
Verb
The Post reports that staff for years had chafed under Stebich’s leadership.
—News Desk, Artforum, 19 Nov. 2024
In the twentieth century, innovative artists chafed against high ticket prices and the constraints of tradition: players facing one way and the audience facing the other, for example, and a whole range of unspoken commandments.
—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 16 Oct. 2024
Noun
Rhaenyra’s devious uncle-husband, Daemon (Matt Smith), chafes under her cautious command.
—Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
But Miller chafes at the notion that Furiosa could be accused of fan service.
—Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 8 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for chafe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chafe
Verb
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Owners should be cautious about walking areas where the sidewalks or roads are salted, as the texture and chemicals can irritate or cut a dog's paw pads.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
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Humans must remain in the loop, and treating human interaction like a premium service is a quick route to irritating many customers.Todd Fisher, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
Verb
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At the time of last year’s incident, Reeves’s property in Hollywood Hills was burglarized by intruders wearing ski masks, the LA Times reported.Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 30 Dec. 2024
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Two models wore the second look in matching dresses, one representing the Empire State Building and the other, the Chrysler Building.Fiona Alison Duncan, ARTnews.com, 30 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Yates’ behavior annoyed his first pair of cellmates, who demanded he be removed, his father said.Kelly Davis, The Mercury News, 23 Dec. 2024
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They are annoyed by the limitations and complications of finding recharging stations.Greg Petro, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Trump has skated again and could care less about their indignation.Letters to the Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 6 Dec. 2024
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Trowbridge is so concerned that he’s posted officers at both of her residences (something Dennison describes with arid indignation as a spectacular misuse of public monies).Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2024
Noun
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Both victims were rushed to Saint Mary’s Hospital where the ex-girlfriend was diagnosed with a broken jaw and abrasions to her head and body.Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 14 Dec. 2024
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Additionally, graphene provides thermal regulation and high abrasion resistance.SJ Studio, Sourcing Journal, 10 Dec. 2024
Verb
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But these forms of AI are only scratching the surface of what’s possible.Samantha Murphy Kelly, CNN, 19 Dec. 2024
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All three scratched him at some point during their tenures, with Gallant and Laviolette both doing so in the Eastern Conference final.Peter Baugh, The Athletic, 18 Dec. 2024
Verb
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On the campaign trail, Carter came across as refreshingly candid and even innocent — an antidote to the atmosphere of scandal that had eroded confidence in public officials since the events leading to Nixon’s resignation on Aug. 9, 1974.Scott Kraft, Los Angeles Times, 29 Dec. 2024
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Long wait times not only test a customer’s patience, but can also erode their trust in the service, impacting sales negatively.Kolawole Samuel Adebayo, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The city and state have also been ramping up efforts to engage troubled vagrants sleeping and sometimes bothering straphangers, connecting them with services and shelter and potentially involuntary treatment.New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 27 Dec. 2024
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Kansas City Chiefs 27, Houston Texans 19 (Saturday): Patrick Mahomes didn't look bothered by his high ankle sprain, keeping the Chiefs in line for the AFC's top playoff seed.Jim Reineking, USA TODAY, 24 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near chafe
Cite this Entry
“Chafe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chafe. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.
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