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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in abrasion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of chafe
Christopher Murray, Fox News, 26 Sep. 2024
The airline industry has chafed under consumer-protection regulations imposed by the Biden administration.
—David Koenig, Fortune, 20 Nov. 2024
Branko Milanovic, Foreign Affairs, 10 Dec. 2019
Rhaenyra’s devious uncle-husband, Daemon (Matt Smith), chafes under her cautious command.
—Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
See all Example Sentences for chafe 
Verb
An alternative to chafing dishes is an electric warming mat.
—Christopher Murray, Fox News, 26 Sep. 2024
The airline industry has chafed under consumer-protection regulations imposed by the Biden administration.
—David Koenig, Fortune, 20 Nov. 2024
Noun
The test of their model will be its ability to restrain a growing capitalist class that often chafes against the overweening power of the state bureaucracy.
—Branko Milanovic, Foreign Affairs, 10 Dec. 2019
Rhaenyra’s devious uncle-husband, Daemon (Matt Smith), chafes under her cautious command.
—Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
See all Example Sentences for chafe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chafe
Verb
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Capsaicin itself can speed up digestion, irritate the digestive lining, and trigger diarrhea.Cristina Mutchler, Health, 5 Jan. 2025
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This can irritate asthma or allergies, and cause several breathing issues.Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Sara arrived home just before 9 p.m., and Lyons was allegedly waiting outside wearing a motorcycle helmet, according to the woman who gave Sara a ride home, Mahomet police show.Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 11 Jan. 2025
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Lastly, Jason Kelce was featured in People Magazine wearing a yellow-gold Rolex Submariner.Sophie Furley, Robb Report, 11 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The game was tied at 25 with 7:22 left in the first half, but Florida Southwestern was clearly annoyed by the constant pressure.CJ Moore, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
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Mostly we are annoyed by inane thickets of regulation and are suckers for a politician who vows to sweep them aside.Peter C. Baker, New York Times, 1 Jan. 2025
Noun
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This seemingly small, personal decision triggers absolute indignation in her husband, parents, and siblings.Ilana Masad, The Atlantic, 3 Jan. 2025
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Trump has skated again and could care less about their indignation.Letters to the Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 6 Dec. 2024
Noun
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The draft – which places a limit on particulate emissions from brake abrasion of 3-11 mg per kilometre per vehicle – was adopted by the European Union countries, as well as eight others.Laurie Winkless, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
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Instead, the Packer Coat stood up to heavy use, abrasion, and bad weather with style.Abigail Barronian, Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Yet, these impressive journeys only scratch the surface of their full capabilities.Scott Travers, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025
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Graham, the head of U.S. operations for the pet-rehoming platform Lancaster Puppies, said that, without mental engagement, cats can quickly become bored, which often leads to undesirable behaviors such as scratching furniture.Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Jan. 2025
Verb
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For example, changes to underlying data can erode their effectiveness, like when hospitals switch lab providers.Darius Tahir | KFF Health News, ABC News, 10 Jan. 2025
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Over time, acids can erode tooth enamel permanently.Nancy LeBrun, Verywell Health, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The latter group ultimately just couldn’t be bothered to get off their couches.Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 15 Jan. 2025
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Vlasic is not bothered by this but does have a suggestion for the NHL.Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near chafe
Cite this Entry
“Chafe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chafe. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.
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