fret 1 of 2

1
as in to erode
to consume or wear away gradually over the span of thousands of years, the annual spring runoff fretted the rock, forming a deep channel

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2
3
as in to worry
to experience concern or anxiety don't fret over whether it will be sunny tomorrow, as there's nothing we can do about it

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4
as in to irritate
to make sore by continued rubbing the stiff, starchy collar was fretting my neck, and I couldn't wait to change out of that costume

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fret

2 of 2

noun

Examples Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of fret
Verb
Don’t fret though, Jeff Rueter is at hand with his proposal to reform the play-offs. Adam Hurrey, The Athletic, 22 Nov. 2024 Between the lines: For a while, some on Wall Street have fretted over market concentration — the fact that a few colossal tech companies are dominating the S&P 500. Emily Peck, Axios, 21 Nov. 2024 The high price of this sale comes at a time when many have been fretting over a sluggish global art market. Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Nov. 2024 Plus, Americans are fretting more and more about this nation’s involvement in foreign wars. Shawn Tully, Fortune, 2 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fret 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fret
Verb
  • In both the case of malware and phishing attacks, many barriers that once helped protect users are eroding.
    Danny Jenkins, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
  • These factors have eroded the confidence businesses rely on to borrow, invest, expand production and take risks.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
Verb
  • Let Bvlgari Do The Decorating At Bvlgari London, those who book the Bvlgari Suite for Christmas need not worry about bringing any festive décor.
    Ramsey Qubein, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
  • After Thompson was gunned down on a Manhattan sidewalk heading to the company’s investor day, businesses worry their executives face a higher risk of violence.
    Jacob Pramuk, CNBC, 9 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
Noun
  • The same thing happened a year earlier, when the initial outset of the pandemic triggered a panic among investors.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 6 Dec. 2024
  • Key Background After the July jobs report briefly sent a panic through Wall Street as unemployment unexpectedly spiked to 4.3%, triggering one recession indicator, concerns about the health of the labor market have abated in recent months.
    Derek Saul, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • New this year to True Nature is a retreat for those with eating disorders and their family members.
    Plain Dealer guest writer, cleveland.com, 19 July 2017
  • Eating it: Some folks spoon directly into their mouths.
    Ann Maloney, NOLA.com, 19 July 2017
Verb
  • Assad’s allies and foes crowned him victorious even though, by many accounts, the seams were fraying.
    Natasha Hall, Foreign Affairs, 9 Dec. 2024
  • Working remotely, connections—the human variety, not the Ethernet kind—can fray.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • That’s barely enough time to scratch the surface of this great European capital, with its world-class museums and cosmopolitan glamor.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 7 Dec. 2024
  • After working as a scouting intern with the Baltimore Ravens last year, Jefferson signed with the Chargers hoping to scratch an itch to play that never wavered.
    Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Fret.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fret. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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