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
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Recent Examples of chafe
Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 11 Jan. 2026
Young people have chafed under conservative rule and the stifling of political freedoms.
—Tamara Qiblawi, CNN Money, 9 Jan. 2026
Caitlyn Martyn
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 10 June 2025
Ellie, for her part, chafes at his desire to shelter her even as her immunity, and increasing handiness with a gun, gives her an adolescent sense of invincibility.
—Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chafe
Verb
Carried up to a size 3X and on sale in 10 colors and patterns—including seven neutrals—this tank top has a seamless construction that won’t chafe or dig into you while training, as well as grippers along the inner hem that prevent it from riding up.
—Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 11 Jan. 2026
Young people have chafed under conservative rule and the stifling of political freedoms.
—Tamara Qiblawi, CNN Money, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
Thoughtfully designed to include zip pockets to keep your personal items safe and flat seams to reduce chafe, the shorts are well-made.
—Caitlyn Martyn
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 10 June 2025
Ellie, for her part, chafes at his desire to shelter her even as her immunity, and increasing handiness with a gun, gives her an adolescent sense of invincibility.
—Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chafe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chafe
Verb
-
It’s made of organic cotton grown and harvested without harmful pesticides that can irritate those of us with sensitive skin.—
Katie Jackson,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Perimenopausal women also become more sensitive to certain skin products, which can further irritate or inflame their dry skin.—
Jocelyn Solis-Moreira,
Flow Space,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Cody Powers said that his mother wore State Farm sweatshirts and T-shirts and entered every promotion the company offered.—
J.C. Hallman,
Oklahoman,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Complex magazine also reported that the number may have served as a tribute to the singer's late uncle, who wore 64 as a football player.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Betts gazed back with angst, momentarily annoyed with her coach.—
Aaron Heisen,
Daily News,
7 Feb. 2026
-
The spa There are two swimming pools, one for families (meaning no stress for parents who worry that their children will annoy other guests, and lots of fun for the kids) and one just for adults.—
Maddalena Fossati,
Condé Nast Traveler,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The Editorial Board should save its righteous indignation for some other topic.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Many of the musicians and audience members belonged to a generation that’s often stereotyped as languishing in apathy and isolation—but whose indignation about the suffering in Gaza has far outpaced that of other generations.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
In his report, the medical examiner raised the possibility that Bullock had suffered injuries from the altercation with Chloe and Tomlyn, noting abrasions and lacerations on Bullock’s head along with the skull fractures.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 Feb. 2026
-
One of the juvenile suspects was taken to the University of Chicago's Comer Children's Hospital with an abrasion to his hand, police said.—
Adam Harrington,
CBS News,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Do not use harsh scrubbing sponges or steel wool that can scratch surfaces and cause waffle batter to stick.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Nonstick Pans Nonstick cookware needs to be replaced once the surface is scratched or chipped.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Meanwhile, the sinkhole had grown to 7 feet across and 10 feet deep and continues to actively erode the ground around it, Krul told The Star.—
Ilana Arougheti,
Kansas City Star,
11 Feb. 2026
-
But multiple flood events over the decades have continued to erode the older infrastructure, leaving parts of it unsupported.—
Dante Motley,
Austin American Statesman,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Andrew Musgrave crossed the finish line in cross-country skiing today in a tank top, and the cold didn’t seem to bother him one bit.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
13 Feb. 2026
-
My damp clothes didn’t bother either one of us.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Chafe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chafe. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.
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