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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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of fray
Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 19 Nov. 2024
While there is no compelling need for reform, legislative efforts to refresh the GSEs could pull FHA (and its sister agency Ginnie Mae) into the fray to ensure roles are harmonized.
—Doug Criscitello, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
Son, a naïve twenty-something who has never seen the outside world, is fascinated by the newcomer, and suddenly, the delicate bonds of blind optimism that have held this wealthy clan together begin to fray.
—Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for fray 
Noun
The race for the Democratic Party chair has begun, with former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley entering the fray.
—Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 19 Nov. 2024
While there is no compelling need for reform, legislative efforts to refresh the GSEs could pull FHA (and its sister agency Ginnie Mae) into the fray to ensure roles are harmonized.
—Doug Criscitello, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
Verb
That lifeline is now fraying on a misguided attempt to assign national security risks to a deal that has none.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
Son, a naïve twenty-something who has never seen the outside world, is fascinated by the newcomer, and suddenly, the delicate bonds of blind optimism that have held this wealthy clan together begin to fray.
—Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for fray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fray
Noun
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What was expected to be an epic battle for the ages between big-market clubs such as the Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, and New York Mets is finally over.Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024
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Creating great content is only half the battle—activation is key.Yogesh Shah, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
Noun
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The skirmish ended with engineers blowing up a bridge the two Russian assault groups had used to approach Pokrovsk.David Axe, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
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Peterson referenced the skirmishes and fights at several NCAA football games on Saturday.Ben Morse, CNN, 4 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Following the incident, a brawl erupted between both teams.Danielle Jennings, People.com, 3 Dec. 2024
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None was bigger than the Ohio State-Michigan brawl, which left players and coaches bloodied, and at least one officer injured.Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 1 Dec. 2024
Verb
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In both the case of malware and phishing attacks, many barriers that once helped protect users are eroding.Danny Jenkins, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
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These factors have eroded the confidence businesses rely on to borrow, invest, expand production and take risks.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
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One of the officers was shocked during the struggle, too.Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 13 Dec. 2024
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Understanding this connection helps parents approach these challenges with empathy, recognizing that stress may amplify these struggles.Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Zurab Japaridze, a leader of the opposition Coalition for Change party in Georgia's parliament, was briefly arrested on Monday amid a clash between police and fleeing protesters.Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY, 2 Dec. 2024
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Public transportation was also diverted from the main Aleppo-Damascus highway to avoid clashes, the report said.Sarah el Deeb, Los Angeles Times, 29 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Here, the blurring is visual: Sometimes Leonard floats into the past looking like Gere, who wears the character without a shred of self-protection as the lens gawks at his raw skin.Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2024
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Besides being favorites among consumers while they’re being worn, Cotton Incorporated’s Jennifer Lukowiak, director of supply chain marketing, says consumers also appreciate that as a natural fiber, cotton is inherently circular and biodegradable.Catherine Salfino, Sourcing Journal, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Dylan and Baez didn’t get into a fight onstage over the setlist.Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 11 Dec. 2024
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Read more: Fight Breaks Out After Michigan Football Takes Down Rival Ohio State in Unranked Upset Win Though it is expected for opposing teams to get chippy with one another, especially following a loss, the fight was not a good look for the NCAA.Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near fray
Cite this Entry
“Fray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fray. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.
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