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.
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Recent Examples of chafe
Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 6 Jan. 2026
Her choice of words often chafed Party leaders.
—Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2026
Caitlyn Martyn
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 10 June 2025
Ellie, for her part, chafes at his desire to shelter her even as her immunity, and increasing handiness with a gun, gives her an adolescent sense of invincibility.
—Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chafe
Verb
The state’s changes to the rates chafed some local districts’ officials, including fire districts that fretted about affording equipment and firefighters as risks from wildfires loomed large year-round.
—Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 6 Jan. 2026
Her choice of words often chafed Party leaders.
—Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2026
Noun
Thoughtfully designed to include zip pockets to keep your personal items safe and flat seams to reduce chafe, the shorts are well-made.
—Caitlyn Martyn
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 10 June 2025
Ellie, for her part, chafes at his desire to shelter her even as her immunity, and increasing handiness with a gun, gives her an adolescent sense of invincibility.
—Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chafe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chafe
Verb
-
These changes to the fabric’s texture can also irritate delicate skin.—
Elizabeth Brownfield,
Southern Living,
7 Jan. 2026
-
To ensure the materials were safe for biological use, the friction layers was tested on a rabbit’s eye, where the device maintained its charge without irritating.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Adding onto the wear-and-tear element was that Monday’s game was a back-to-back, one caused by Saturday’s matchup being postponed to Sunday after a federal immigration agent shot and killed Alex Pretti in Minneapolis on Saturday morning.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
27 Jan. 2026
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The suspect is described as a man about six feet tall, wearing a black hoodie and black pants.—
Anna McAllister,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
In particular, you might be concerned or annoyed about financial issues with a friend or a group.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
25 Jan. 2026
-
Here are two habits that often annoy people the most, and reliably signal that a partner is deeply invested in you.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
His indignation was not sugar coated.—
Essence,
Essence,
20 Jan. 2026
-
Struber laughs at their polite indignation.—
Stuart James,
New York Times,
16 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Lab 102 reports that OrganIQ seek can be applied in nebulization systems for bleaches with strong contrast and abrasion effects.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
26 Jan. 2026
-
In a modernist era of abrasion and velocity—the now and the next, chasing each other at warp speed—Reilly offered a work of radical non-provocation.—
Brad Shoup,
Pitchfork,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
If large stuck-on food chunks remain, carefully scrape them off with a razor blade, being mindful not to scratch the stovetop.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Bright and spellbinding, glittering and dangerous, London Falling scratches every itch while unwinding this morbid mystery.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Decades of policy choices, rising costs and stagnant wages have eroded the path that once led from work to security.—
Fred P. Hochberg,
Boston Herald,
21 Jan. 2026
-
Years of high inflation and financial mismanagement eroded middle-class wealth, while high-level corruption has empowered a handful of businessmen to enrich themselves.—
Allison Morrow,
CNN Money,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Schultz said he is not bothered by the criticism marking his seven-year tenure at the $301,000-a-year post.—
Tony Saavedra,
Oc Register,
24 Jan. 2026
-
Is a man bothering you at a bar?—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
23 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Chafe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chafe. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
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