frays 1 of 2

noun

Definition of fraysnext
plural of fray
1
as in fights
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 clashes
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 brawls
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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frays

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of fray
as in erodes
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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for frays
  1. erodes
  2. efforts
  3. altercations
Verb
  • The lack of standards for unlicensed vendors erodes the integrity of the entire industry.
    John Murn, New York Daily News, 4 Jan. 2025
  • This practice erodes listener trust and devalues genuine artistry.
    Virginie Berger, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
Definition of erodes
Noun
  • Her leadership extended to local and international interfaith and bridge-building efforts, including serving as a board member and chair of the clergy dialogue for MCCJ (now Mosaic), and engaging with organizations related to faith communities in the former Soviet Union.
    Priscilla Whitehead, Sun Sentinel, 24 Dec. 2024
  • Some have also emphasized their efforts to reduce out-of-pocket insulin costs for patients.
    Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024
Definition of efforts
Noun
  • These altercations have raised concerns that the United States, a longtime ally of the Philippines, could become involved in a potential conflict.
    Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024
  • College players are meant to be taught to control their emotions when things boil over into physical altercations.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
Definition of altercations
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Thesaurus Entries Near frays

fraying

frays

frazzle

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Cite this Entry

“Frays.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frays. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on frays

Nglish: Translation of frays for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of frays for Arabic Speakers

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