1
as in battle
a forceful effort to reach a goal or objective
another generation of scientists entered the fray to find a cure for AIDS
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Relevance
2
as in skirmish
a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups
a troubled youth always getting into frays at school
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in brawl
a rough and often noisy fight usually involving several people
school officials broke up the fray and gave all guilty parties detention
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as in to erode
to damage or diminish by continued friction
constant rubbing against the rock face has badly frayed our climbing rope
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of fray
Philip Elliott, Time, 17 June 2025
In his quest for a definitive biography of Joyce as a cosmopolitan artist, above the parochial fray, Ellmann downplayed Joyce’s interest in politics.
—Eric Bulson, The Atlantic, 16 June 2025
Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 4 June 2025
The piece featured another asymmetric detail that was layered on top of a gauzy cotton organza with a crew neckline, frayed hem detailing and concealed side zipper closure.
—Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for fray
Noun
After promising an end to entanglements that have bedeviled Trump’s predecessors, Trump now seems on the cusp of joining the fray in a region where 40,000 Americans are deployed and there are scant off-ramps.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 17 June 2025
In his quest for a definitive biography of Joyce as a cosmopolitan artist, above the parochial fray, Ellmann downplayed Joyce’s interest in politics.
—Eric Bulson, The Atlantic, 16 June 2025
Verb
In the meantime, the Biden-era alignment between Washington and Kyiv has frayed, as Trump and his administration have openly criticized Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
—Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 4 June 2025
The piece featured another asymmetric detail that was layered on top of a gauzy cotton organza with a crew neckline, frayed hem detailing and concealed side zipper closure.
—Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for fray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fray
Noun
-
While the legal battle is ongoing, the judge's ruling is an early win for the states and a setback for the Trump administration.—
Camila Domonoske,
NPR,
25 June 2025
-
That same month, Adams withdrew his candidacy for the Democratic primary, saying the legal battle had prevented him from effectively campaigning.—
Solcyré Burga,
Time,
25 June 2025
Noun
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The protests were substantially peaceful, although small skirmishes resulting in arrests, damage to property and injuries broke out when police tried to disperse the crowd with rubber bullets and tear gas.—
Megan Schrader,
Denver Post,
22 June 2025
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Eisman drew similarities between the rocky trade environment and lead-up to World War I, likely referring to a series of treaties forged in the decades before the war designed to settle regional skirmishes that, in reality, created two massive, and eventually opposing, alliances.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
18 June 2025
Noun
-
Most of the brawls took place between large groups of teenagers, according to Conley.—
Ilana Arougheti,
Kansas City Star,
22 June 2025
-
Anakin and Obi-Wan's lightsaber brawl is an all-timer just for sheer brutality. 34.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
21 June 2025
Verb
-
Opaque brokerage fees can erode returns, while fraud is a constant risk.—
Paul Caputo,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
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Critics warned that such measures could erode due process rights and destabilize the legal status of millions of permanent residents.—
Nick Mordowanec,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 June 2025
Noun
-
Consumers are putting values first — even at a time of economic struggle.—
Alexandra Pastore,
Footwear News,
17 June 2025
-
Burroughs allegedly then took off on foot and was apprehended following a brief foot chase and a struggle, Allard said.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
16 June 2025
Noun
-
The clash between the two drivers was likely carried forward from the previous race in Detroit, where McLaughlin crashed into Siegel from behind, causing him to get knocked out of the race.—
Saajan Jogia,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 June 2025
-
India, the fanatical cricket country, against England, the founding fathers of the game, will be a clash of styles.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
19 June 2025
Verb
-
He was last seen wearing blue headphones, a blue surgical mask, a black North Face jacket, light-wash camo pants and gray sneakers.—
Roni Jacobson,
New York Daily News,
28 June 2025
-
There are a few family members who only wear olive, mustard, khaki, black and other dull colors; clunky, unattractive shoes; and few accessories.—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
28 June 2025
Noun
-
The result of that fight was Paul's first and only pro loss, dropping a split decision to Fury.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
-
Amid the physical fights during each game, the broader battle between Gi-hun and the Front Man has always been existential: Are people worth saving?—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
27 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fray. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
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