1
2
as in to wear
to damage or diminish by continued friction
constant stepping on a rope will gradually chafe it, rendering it unsafe for rock climbing
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to annoy
to disturb the peace of mind of (someone) especially by repeated disagreeable acts
nothing chafes us so much as those telemarketers who call during the dinner hour
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in indignation
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
2
as in abrasion
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example 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 chafe
Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 2 June 2026
But lawmakers who chafed at being pushed around by the inflexible governor’s demands for the past eight years found their backbone just in time to do the wrong thing.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 30 May 2026
Brian Higgins, Outside, 15 Dec. 2025
What follows is an absurd reckoning that mixes surreal humor and domestic drama as Shula chafes against her relatives’ hysterical funeral planning.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 9 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chafe
Verb
But others have chafed at his involvement and his frequent veto threats.
—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 2 June 2026
But lawmakers who chafed at being pushed around by the inflexible governor’s demands for the past eight years found their backbone just in time to do the wrong thing.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 30 May 2026
Noun
Smartwool takes those comforts a step further with the Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew, incorporating chafe-free seams and a body-contouring fit.
—Brian Higgins, Outside, 15 Dec. 2025
What follows is an absurd reckoning that mixes surreal humor and domestic drama as Shula chafes against her relatives’ hysterical funeral planning.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 9 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chafe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chafe
Verb
-
Residents were advised that while smoke may be irritating—particularly for those sensitive to air quality—there is currently no order for evacuation or shelter-in-place, despite a similar order already having been issued and lifted twice since the fire's ignition.—
Iris Salem,
CBS News,
20 June 2026
-
Ammonia is a common industrial chemical that can irritate the eyes and respiratory system when present in elevated concentrations.—
Sydney Barragan,
Daily News,
19 June 2026
Verb
-
The high-quality dress can be worn all summer long, in playful hues like white and green.—
Sarah DiMuro,
PEOPLE,
23 June 2026
-
The key to modernizing the pinkish-orange color in 2026 is to wear it in loose, easy silhouettes.—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
InStyle,
22 June 2026
Verb
-
Damian used to get annoyed with his father's motivational chats about responsibility.—
Claudia Boyd-Barrett,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
-
Three hours before the parade is set to begin, paradegoers are already annoyed at the disorganization and slow-moving lines.—
Matt Nighswander,
NBC news,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
Many expressed indignation that a climate-friendly clothing brand would appear to go after a beloved climate activist.—
Brittany Peterson,
Fortune,
12 June 2026
-
Others use their out-of-office emails to either apologize profusely for time away or highlight their indignation at being tied to work or the internet in the first place.—
Isabel Fattal,
The Atlantic,
6 June 2026
Noun
-
The sharp microscopic pieces in DE cause abrasions in the soft bodies of chiggers and break down their protective exoskeleton.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
18 June 2026
-
The man also had abrasions to the left side of his body, police said.—
Tom Ignudo,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
And these only scratch the surface of his accomplishments.—
PJ Green,
Kansas City Star,
21 June 2026
-
Even young raccoons can bite or scratch when frightened, and wild animals can carry parasites and diseases, says Rakestraw.—
Michelle Mastro,
Martha Stewart,
20 June 2026
Verb
-
The oil supply shock caused by the Iran war has eroded global demand for crude — but a lasting resolution to the conflict could drive a surge in supply volumes and trigger a major oil overhang next year, the International Energy Agency said on Wednesday.—
Hugh Leask,
CNBC,
17 June 2026
-
As retailers race to modernize their stores, a new report from Coresight Research reveals a rapidly shifting business landscape beneath their feet, where inefficiencies are eroding profits.—
Arthur Zaczkiewicz,
Footwear News,
17 June 2026
Verb
-
Oh, and more often than not, nobody bothers to check whether the change intervention actually worked, or whether leaders improve their performance after all!—
Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
-
The chest pain that had been bothering her finally let up.—
Tyler Quattrin,
Twin Cities,
19 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Chafe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chafe. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
