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
For all the dialogue’s sharpness, a few narrative strands are left too loose or frayed.
—Hannah Gold, New Yorker, 21 Jan. 2026
Distressed, frayed and with a crochet patch, these jeans immediately scream style.
—Lauren Finney Harden, InStyle, 19 Jan. 2026
But even Kerr, who as of last week still said Kuminga’s return to the lineup was a possibility, has admitted that Kuminga’s departure is likely, but refuted claims that he and Kuminga’s relationship has become frayed.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2026
Look for appliances with frayed or cracked cords and get rid of them.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 15 Jan. 2026
Faulty wiring or frayed cords are a recipe for disaster, so be sure to thoroughly inspect your model to check for any broken elements.
—Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Jan. 2026
Although Jerry Garcia cast the longest shadow across the legend of the Dead with his dark, complexly melodic songs and his hazy, frayed vocals, Weir’s shadow was more translucent, melodically lighter and rhythmically astute.
—A.d. Amorosi, Variety, 11 Jan. 2026
Old wiring, loose sockets, and frayed cords can be a safety hazard.
—Heather Bien, Martha Stewart, 9 Jan. 2026
With Kuminga’s Warriors role disappearing this season, and his frayed relationship with coach Steve Kerr an open secret, this is (potentially) the price Golden State will pay for that crucial loss in leverage with other teams.
—Sam Amick, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2026
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Hannah Gold, New Yorker, 21 Jan. 2026
Distressed, frayed and with a crochet patch, these jeans immediately scream style.
—Lauren Finney Harden, InStyle, 19 Jan. 2026
But even Kerr, who as of last week still said Kuminga’s return to the lineup was a possibility, has admitted that Kuminga’s departure is likely, but refuted claims that he and Kuminga’s relationship has become frayed.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2026
Look for appliances with frayed or cracked cords and get rid of them.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 15 Jan. 2026
Faulty wiring or frayed cords are a recipe for disaster, so be sure to thoroughly inspect your model to check for any broken elements.
—Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Jan. 2026
Although Jerry Garcia cast the longest shadow across the legend of the Dead with his dark, complexly melodic songs and his hazy, frayed vocals, Weir’s shadow was more translucent, melodically lighter and rhythmically astute.
—A.d. Amorosi, Variety, 11 Jan. 2026
Old wiring, loose sockets, and frayed cords can be a safety hazard.
—Heather Bien, Martha Stewart, 9 Jan. 2026
With Kuminga’s Warriors role disappearing this season, and his frayed relationship with coach Steve Kerr an open secret, this is (potentially) the price Golden State will pay for that crucial loss in leverage with other teams.
—Sam Amick, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Frayed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frayed. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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