1
: worn or shredded at the ends or edges
frayed jeans
A long line of scared-looking first years entered, led by Professor McGonagall, who was carrying a stool on which sat an ancient wizard's hat, heavily patched and darned with a wide rip near the frayed brim.—
J. K. Rowling
J. K. Rowling2
: damaged, weakened, or worn down by strain or irritation
frayed nerves/tempers
He vanished underground for a time, and when he reappeared he had retired from pimping. But he was still dealing drugs, and in his frayed state he was losing his half-step edge on the law.—Peter Goldman
Peter GoldmanThe draconian measures drew widespread condemnation in Europe and further strained the already frayed relations between Pretoria and Washington …—Mark Whitaker
Mark WhitakerExamples of frayed in a Sentence
she wore a beloved but badly frayed flannel shirt
Recent Examples on the Web
That’s why new parents should set some grandparenting ground rules as soon as possible to avoid nasty arguments and frayed relationships down the road, according to bestselling author and parenting expert Esther Wojcicki.
—Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 27 Aug. 2025
New member Kiirii also admits to frayed nerves while mentally preparing for the shoot.
—Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2025
In terms of wear, neither Baker or Alpert notice any shrinkage or frayed threads.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 22 Aug. 2025
Perform a visual inspection Look for cracked or frayed cables or other obvious signs of damage.
—Eric D. Lawrence, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2025
An ecru denim jacket and jeans with scorched and frayed hems emphasized the dystopian theme.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 13 Aug. 2025
Over in the automotive realm, V10 engines are hanging precariously by the thinnest sliver of a frayed thread thanks largely to boutique track car builders like Rodin and Red Bull.
—New Atlas, 12 Aug. 2025
Trier’s insightful and captivating adult drama, which won the Grand Prix at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, furthers the writer-director’s piercing exploration of the frayed ties that bind us to one another and to our creative selves.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2025
Photo: New York Magazine Bartsch leads the pack, dancing on a speaker (her favorite spot), wearing cutoff shorts, white leggings, red suspenders, and a frayed and cropped jean jacket with holes in the shoulders.
—Amy Virshup, Vulture, 14 May 2025
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Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 27 Aug. 2025
New member Kiirii also admits to frayed nerves while mentally preparing for the shoot.
—Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2025
In terms of wear, neither Baker or Alpert notice any shrinkage or frayed threads.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 22 Aug. 2025
Perform a visual inspection Look for cracked or frayed cables or other obvious signs of damage.
—Eric D. Lawrence, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2025
An ecru denim jacket and jeans with scorched and frayed hems emphasized the dystopian theme.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 13 Aug. 2025
Over in the automotive realm, V10 engines are hanging precariously by the thinnest sliver of a frayed thread thanks largely to boutique track car builders like Rodin and Red Bull.
—New Atlas, 12 Aug. 2025
Trier’s insightful and captivating adult drama, which won the Grand Prix at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, furthers the writer-director’s piercing exploration of the frayed ties that bind us to one another and to our creative selves.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2025
Photo: New York Magazine Bartsch leads the pack, dancing on a speaker (her favorite spot), wearing cutoff shorts, white leggings, red suspenders, and a frayed and cropped jean jacket with holes in the shoulders.
—Amy Virshup, Vulture, 14 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Frayed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frayed. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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