1
as in battle
a forceful effort to reach a goal or objective
another generation of scientists entered the fray to find a cure for AIDS
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2
as in skirmish
a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups
a troubled youth always getting into frays at school
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in brawl
a rough and often noisy fight usually involving several people
school officials broke up the fray and gave all guilty parties detention
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as in to erode
to damage or diminish by continued friction
constant rubbing against the rock face has badly frayed our climbing rope
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of fray
Mark Ellwood, AFAR Media, 6 Mar. 2025
The reason Israel can do this today is that the region has changed in the wake of the war that Israel was forced into after Hamas's brutal invasion on Oct. 7, 2023, and Hezbollah's subsequent decision to join the fray.
—Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025
Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 1 Mar. 2025
Sitting out on her sunny pool deck in an oversized sweater, frayed jeans and slippers with minimal makeup, Moore exudes lightness and positivity.
—Mara Reinstein, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fray
Noun
Summiting Mount Everest is on so many avid travelers’ must-do lists; join the fray and scratch that itch this month.
—Mark Ellwood, AFAR Media, 6 Mar. 2025
The reason Israel can do this today is that the region has changed in the wake of the war that Israel was forced into after Hamas's brutal invasion on Oct. 7, 2023, and Hezbollah's subsequent decision to join the fray.
—Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
Investor confidence in the Dallas-area company is fraying, Jefferies analyst Julien Dumoulin-Smith told clients in a note on Thursday.
—Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 1 Mar. 2025
Sitting out on her sunny pool deck in an oversized sweater, frayed jeans and slippers with minimal makeup, Moore exudes lightness and positivity.
—Mara Reinstein, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fray
Noun
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Whoever challenges for the Democrat nomination will have half an eye on the national battle, where the economy, security and national pride are likely to outweigh liberal issues.—
William Lambers,
Newsweek,
9 Mar. 2025
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Just last month at the NFL Scouting Combine, GM Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales stressed the importance of battle in the trenches.—
Mike Kaye,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The killings helped ignite the Revolutionary War that began following the April 19, 1775, skirmishes called the Battle of Lexington and Concord and the vastly bloodier June 17, 1775, Battle of Bunker Hill in Charlestown.—
Peter Lucas,
Boston Herald,
3 Mar. 2025
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Since the onset of Israel’s war against Hamas, the Israel Defense Forces engaged in cross-border skirmishes with Hezbollah – including ground operations on Lebanese soil – until a ceasefire deal was struck late last year.—
Greg Norman,
Fox News,
28 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Impressive set-pieces are sprinkled throughout, from a rip-roaring car chase to open the film and a later brawl between Irene and a pair of shady mechanics (Michael Manuel and Taylor Misiak).—
Stephen Saito,
Variety,
19 Mar. 2025
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Pennsylvania high school basketball game brawl seen on video A Pennsylvania high school basketball game between Uniontown and Meadville devolved into an all-out brawl in the stands and on the court, Friday, March 7.—
Scott Thompson,
Fox News,
10 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Video calls fall slightly below in-person meetings because small differences can significantly erode engagement.—
Carmine Gallo,
Forbes,
13 Mar. 2025
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For example, if the individual who passed did not have life insurance, long-term care or supplemental disability insurance, there may also be debts left behind that can erode the inheritance.—
Jessica Dickler,
CNBC,
12 Mar. 2025
Noun
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For all of their defensive struggles — particularly in defensive counter-attacking moments — this season, City’s dedication to hoovering up loose balls is still strong when the chips are down.—
Mark Carey,
The Athletic,
13 Mar. 2025
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For Miranda, rock n’ roll has always been an act of resistance and a musical genre that has accompanied youth in their social struggles and artistic expressions.—
Natalia Cano,
Billboard,
13 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Duke won 76-65 on the road in Louisville in the only regular-season clash between these teams.—
Mark Davis,
Newsweek,
15 Mar. 2025
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Read more: • Schumer clashes with liberal colleagues over House GOP funding bill.—
Jonathan Easley,
The Hill,
14 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Shoppers could choose to purchase an Apple (product) Red item or wear a look from (RED)’s Gap collection, modeled in an historic campaign by Christy Turlington, Anne Hathaway, Mary J. Blige, and John Legend, among others.—
Lisa Lockwood,
WWD,
12 Mar. 2025
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As pulsating techno music filled the room, which was bathed in red light (a reference to Lynch), models came out of cubicles wearing what looked like a blend of underwear and eveningwear.—
Alice Pfeiffer,
CNN,
12 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The president’s latest cruel attempt to ban transgender troops won’t survive without a fight, writes columnist Robin Abcarian.—
Terry Castleman,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2025
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Building on the success of The Real Housewives of Melbourne and The Real Housewives of Auckland, this second spin-off was created and originally premiered on February 26, 2017 before getting cancelled after one season due to its extreme fights and harsh language.—
Maya Gandara,
StyleCaster,
11 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fray. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
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