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
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Recent Examples of chafe
Tim Grierson, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025
Leila, emotionally wounded by her older sister’s death, enjoys recreational drugs and skipping class with Abbie, who is chafing against her controlling parents.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 24 Sep. 2025
Korok Ray, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Then, the rotten cherry on top: my lightweight pack, overburdened with water and ill-equipped for the task, created a patch of chafe that eventually bloomed into an open wound.
—Shawnté Salabert, Outside Online, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chafe
Verb
Zwick is such a conventional filmmaker that DiCaprio chafes trying to break out of the Reluctant Hero straitjacket Zwick puts him in.
—Tim Grierson, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025
Leila, emotionally wounded by her older sister’s death, enjoys recreational drugs and skipping class with Abbie, who is chafing against her controlling parents.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
And this chafes against Bitcoin’s underlying ethos of decentralization.
—Korok Ray, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Then, the rotten cherry on top: my lightweight pack, overburdened with water and ill-equipped for the task, created a patch of chafe that eventually bloomed into an open wound.
—Shawnté Salabert, Outside Online, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chafe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chafe
Verb
-
How Air Quality and Allergens Affect Vision Pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide irritate the eyes and contribute to inflammation.—
William Jones,
Ascend Agency,
11 Nov. 2025
-
That time hasn’t arrived yet, though, so the Packers know what awaits them Monday night from a team that might have a little more incentive to irritate everyone inside Lambeau Field.—
Matt Schneidman,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Jenner also shared a mirror selfie, covering her chest with one arm and wearing a towel low on her waist.—
Janelle Ash,
FOXNews.com,
7 Nov. 2025
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Upon arrival at Star Flat, travelers disembark the train wearing red light necklaces (to ensure no one gets lost), which provide light without compromising night vision.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
She’d been awakened by their puppy, and had been annoyed at Ryan, who hadn’t gotten up early with the dog like he was supposed to.—
Jamie Thompson,
The Atlantic,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Kelce was evaluated for a concussion in the locker room, and he was annoyed at having to answer the questions that are part of the test.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Miss Universe President expresses 'Great indignation' Rocha began his statement by expressing solidarity with the 122 delegates before criticizing Nawat's actions.—
Paula Soria,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
-
This explains the indignation of those carrying college debt who demanded Joe Biden make their loans go away.—
Boston Herald editorial staff,
Boston Herald,
29 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Less abrasion on the surface helps denim maintain its color.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Starting guard Reese Dixon-Waters was a full practice participant two days after missing the 77-45 victory against Long Beach State with a corneal abrasion in his eye that necessitated a trip to the emergency room followed by appointments with ophthalmologists.—
Mark Zeigler,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The Dallas Cowboys have made some head-scratching moves in 2025 dating back to the preseason, which have both strengthened the interior of the defensive line but also added confusion about the future of the unit.—
Max Dible,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Nov. 2025
-
Gratitude hardly scratches the surface.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
11 Nov. 2025
Verb
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In particular, the city’s stormwater system is failing as pipes have eroded and caused sinkholes to pop up in some parts of the city.—
Taylor O'Connor,
Kansas City Star,
5 Nov. 2025
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While cord-cutting continues to erode the national pay-TV base, local sports has managed to offset any losses in linear reach with a rapidly expanding streaming audience.—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The clanging of dirty dishes being gathered in the back kitchen does not bother her.—
David Canfield,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Instagram and TikTok are littered with stories of women and their unsupportive husbands, men who can't remember their own children's birthdays or be bothered to take a weekend off from their golf hobby to spend time with their families.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Chafe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chafe. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.
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