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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2
as in skirmish
a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups
a troubled youth always getting into frays at school
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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
Nick Romano, EW.com, 28 Mar. 2025
His backtracking did not stop Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from entering the fray.
—Amelie Botbol, FOXNews.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025
The real concern here is whether the relationship between the Davies camp and the national team could be frayed, following Huoseh’s comments on Canada’s handling of his injury situation.
—Sebastian Stafford-Bloor and More, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fray
Noun
Marvel also signaled that they aren't done with the casting reveals for Doomsday, so there may even be more X-Men figures joining the fray ahead of Secret Wars.
—Nick Romano, EW.com, 28 Mar. 2025
His backtracking did not stop Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from entering the fray.
—Amelie Botbol, FOXNews.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
The fascia is peeling off, roof shingles are fraying, the stairs should be replaced and the electrical system needs an upgrade.
—Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025
The real concern here is whether the relationship between the Davies camp and the national team could be frayed, following Huoseh’s comments on Canada’s handling of his injury situation.
—Sebastian Stafford-Bloor and More, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fray
Noun
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In short, Saturday's clash will bring to a head a battle between two families, two fighters caught in a war started by their fathers, and Eubank won't even have his by his side as they are still estranged.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 2025
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The Trump administration is also embroiled in a contentious legal battle regarding deportation involving Kilmar Abrego Garcia.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The Holy Roman Empire army did eventually move on from the camp, engaging in several skirmishes with the Swedish army stationed nearby.—
Brendan Rascius,
Miami Herald,
18 Apr. 2025
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Today’s group readies to replay the opening battle skirmish, practicing to get their roles down for the upcoming anniversary celebration.—
Melanie Stetson Freeman,
Christian Science Monitor,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Same for a trip to a country bar, where Chris picks up the dance moves insanely quickly and Brax starts a window-crashing brawl.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
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With Sam’s help, the team learns that a military contractor has been committing war crimes (and murdering to cover it up), which launches a massive brawl aboard a ship full of very bad Russians.—
Sara Netzley,
EW.com,
22 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The other is a more nebulous worry that programmable money, by definition, erodes individual autonomy.—
Zennon Kapron,
Forbes.com,
30 Apr. 2025
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There is no question that high tariffs will erode Chinese exporters’ access to the U.S. market.—
Zongyuan Zoe Liu,
Foreign Affairs,
29 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The Tower is not always an omen of hardship and struggle.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 May 2025
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Since then Hutchinson has maintained that the murders were committed by two home invaders and that the family was killed in a struggle.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
1 May 2025
Noun
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The following day, however, Mercury will meet Mars in a stubborn square, triggering a clash between the need for practicality and discernment versus the desire to express oneself boldly and with pride.—
Staff Author,
People.com,
1 May 2025
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India has been a nuclear power for over 50 years, possessing an arsenal that is publicly clandestine but capable in warfare—notably against its neighboring country, Pakistan, amid their decades-long clash over Kashmir.—
Nick Mordowanec
John Feng,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Famously, stage and film star Sir Sean Connery openly discussed wearing a headpiece in all of his James Bond roles.—
Rhiannon Frater,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2025
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Chrissy was a classy birthday girl, wearing a beige corset-style skirt and top with a matching trench coat and sunglasses.—
Elizabeth Ayoola,
Essence,
29 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The health care fight — over a discount drug program — will play out in the House’s Health and Human Services Committee on Monday.—
Seth Klamann,
Denver Post,
28 Apr. 2025
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Create a powerful statement that positions me against this enemy and explains why this fight matters to my audience.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fray. Accessed 8 May. 2025.
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