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
Tracy Wilkinson, Los Angeles Times, 23 Dec. 2024
The House was poised to pass an initial bipartisan proposal on Wednesday, until Trump and billionaire Elon Musk leapt into the fray and demanded Republicans not back the bill as it was written.
—Gord Magill, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
Elaina Patton, Vogue, 22 Nov. 2024
The New York Fed report adds to other data that show that while American households are managing their debt there is increasing fraying around the edges.
—Michael S. Derby, USA TODAY, 19 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for fray 
Noun
Terrorist designations usually require action by other agencies, such as the State Department, and some members of Congress who advocate a tougher approach to Mexican drug trafficking are nevertheless reluctant to send U.S. troops into the fray without approval by the Mexican government.
—Tracy Wilkinson, Los Angeles Times, 23 Dec. 2024
The House was poised to pass an initial bipartisan proposal on Wednesday, until Trump and billionaire Elon Musk leapt into the fray and demanded Republicans not back the bill as it was written.
—Gord Magill, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
Verb
But as time passed, saturated colors and a smattering of accessories crept into Caracalla’s looks, echoing the more diminutive emperor’s ever-more erratic behavior and fraying relationship with his brother.
—Elaina Patton, Vogue, 22 Nov. 2024
The New York Fed report adds to other data that show that while American households are managing their debt there is increasing fraying around the edges.
—Michael S. Derby, USA TODAY, 19 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for fray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fray
Noun
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Osbourne didn't share much about her treatment, but this update comes on the heels of her recent battle with a high fever over the holidays.Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025
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While the legal battle is ongoing with the Swiss high court (and likely to be prolonged), Chiles reflected in November on the impact of the controversy.Caroline Price, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The ugly scene on a suburban street was a harbinger of skirmishes to come.Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 2 Jan. 2025
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Houston teammates then ran in to defend their teammate, as well, leading to a skirmish that spilled out of bounds while Lawrence remained on the turf, still on his back, as medical personnel tended to him.Andrew Greif, NBC News, 1 Dec. 2024
Noun
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At least four others were injured during the shooting rampage in the western town of Cetinje on Wednesday, which authorities say began after a bar brawl.Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Jan. 2025
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Coming out of the brutal men’s bathroom brawl, which left Thanos and four others dead, Team X did a quick recount to determine which side (truly) lost more votes.Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 27 Dec. 2024
Verb
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With plant workers exposed to unhealthy levels of radiation, public trust in nuclear power began to erode, and Carter paid a visit to assess the damage up close.Virginia Chamlee, People.com, 29 Dec. 2024
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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
Noun
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And the former coach believes Leftwich became the scapegoat for the Buccaneers’ struggles.Mike Jones, The Athletic, 31 Dec. 2024
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Ian Cramer's Drug Use The sentencing hearing largely centered on Ian Cramer's struggles with addiction and mental health.George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024
Noun
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In addition to engaging in regular border clashes with Israel, the group has supported Bashar al-Assad in his decimation of Syrian rebels and has been accused of assassinating Lebanese political figures who oppose Syrian or Iranian influence in the country.Youmna Melhem Chamieh, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025
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This, as increasing pressures on directors to become more engaged clash with related concerns of executives with board micromanagement.Michael Peregrine, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Sara arrived home just before 9 p.m., and Lyons was allegedly waiting outside wearing a motorcycle helmet, according to the woman who gave Sara a ride home, Mahomet police show.Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 11 Jan. 2025
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Lastly, Jason Kelce was featured in People Magazine wearing a yellow-gold Rolex Submariner.Sophie Furley, Robb Report, 11 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Set in the pre-Independence, the biopic talks about Savarkar and his role in India’s fight against the British rule.Sweta Kaushal, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
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The Fed dialed back its fight against inflation over the final months of last year, lowering interest rates by a percentage point.Max Zahn, ABC News, 10 Jan. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Fray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fray. Accessed 14 Jan. 2025.
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