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
Korok Ray, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
On This may look like a low impact-worthy set, but the fabric is advanced enough for high-sweat sessions, offering chafe-free support and moisture-wicking capabilities.
—Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 21 Jan. 2025
Trond Arne Undheim, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
But vendors have chafed at past-due bills and new, slower payment terms.
—Evan Clark, Footwear News, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for chafe
Verb
And this chafes against Bitcoin’s underlying ethos of decentralization.
—Korok Ray, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
On This may look like a low impact-worthy set, but the fabric is advanced enough for high-sweat sessions, offering chafe-free support and moisture-wicking capabilities.
—Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 21 Jan. 2025
Noun
For those who chafe at the constraints of traditional higher education, modern manufacturing offers a faster path to hands-on, tech-forward leadership.
—Trond Arne Undheim, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
But vendors have chafed at past-due bills and new, slower payment terms.
—Evan Clark, Footwear News, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for chafe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chafe
Verb
-
Larger particulates in the air can irritate our eyes, nose, and throat, causing a persistent cough and difficulty breathing.—
Marianne Krasny,
Forbes.com,
19 Aug. 2025
-
These side effects can range from mild to severe, and may include: Increased digestive symptoms: Alcohol can irritate your stomach and slow down how fast your stomach empties.—
Health,
Health,
18 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Here is a closer look at what the Jayhawks will be wearing in that game.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
15 Aug. 2025
-
Gastineau and Favre were surrounded by multiple onlookers and Gastineau wore a microphone provided by the film crew.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
This not only infuriated Epstein conspiracy theorists but also annoyed White House officials, who hadn’t been informed of the stunt in advance.—
Ruth Marcus,
New Yorker,
18 Aug. 2025
-
But overall, people seem to finally comprehend that the protests aren’t just to annoy people.—
Michelle L. Quinn,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Well, St James’ Park threatens to be another level entirely for Liverpool’s visit: a Bank Holiday Monday, under the floodlights, with Newcastle and their fans seething with indignation about Alexander Isak’s behaviour and Liverpool’s pursuit of him.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
22 Aug. 2025
-
Chase resigned in indignation and took refuge at the League.—
Anne Halsey,
JSTOR Daily,
6 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Washing inside out also helps prevent color loss from abrasion, which can leave dark colors looking faded.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
8 Aug. 2025
-
Williams and other family members decided to use the hotel's indoor swimming pool, and Williams suffered a mild abrasion on her knee getting out of the pool.—
Keith Matheny,
Freep.com,
31 July 2025
Verb
-
Staring at his Zoom camera, Welles scratches his head and remains silent for 20 seconds.—
David Browne,
Rolling Stone,
21 Aug. 2025
-
According to team officials, Hayes was scratched for rest reasons while Zandalasini was ruled out with tightness in her left calf.—
Nathan Canilao,
Mercury News,
20 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
In fact, even as Iran and its premier proxy, Hezbollah, were being eroded through much of 2024, the Saudis appointed their first ambassador to Damascus in 12 years—capping a year-long diplomatic process that included former President Bashar al-Assad’s visit to Riyadh in May 2023.—
Kamran Bokhari,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
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It’s been a brutal year for journalism, with mass layoffs, corporate capitulation, and distrust of traditional media eroding the industry.—
Shauna Lyon,
New Yorker,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
There are many players who let criticism bother them, and that’s bad for you, your teammates and people around you.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
19 Aug. 2025
-
Passive-aggressive people rarely tell you exactly what’s bothering them.—
Jenna Ryu,
SELF,
18 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Chafe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chafe. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.
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