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
Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 21 Jan. 2025
Add a moisture-wicking, chafe-preventing stick or powder to your routine, like Mega Babe’s Thigh Rescue or old faithful, Gold Bond Body Powder, to sop up excess wetness before discomfort occurs.
—Sarah Kinonen, Allure, 27 Nov. 2024
Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 14 June 2025
Other consequences include debilitating pain, sagging tissue and chafed skin.
—Megan Feringa, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chafe
Verb
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
Add a moisture-wicking, chafe-preventing stick or powder to your routine, like Mega Babe’s Thigh Rescue or old faithful, Gold Bond Body Powder, to sop up excess wetness before discomfort occurs.
—Sarah Kinonen, Allure, 27 Nov. 2024
Noun
The nation’s founders, having chafed under the abuses of George III, understood the twin dangers of an unchecked chief executive and a standing military.
—Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 14 June 2025
Other consequences include debilitating pain, sagging tissue and chafed skin.
—Megan Feringa, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chafe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chafe
Verb
-
Jake Paul’s everyday unscented face wash avoids irritating fragrances but is infused with vitamin B3 to help keep your skin hydrated.—
Christopher Murray
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,
30 June 2025
-
Work exposures: If you are frequently exposed to irritating chemicals or substances, your risk of dermatitis is higher.—
Carrie Madormo,
Health,
29 June 2025
Verb
-
The deceased woman was also wearing a black necklace with a cross that family said belonged to DiNapoli, according to court documents.—
Caelyn Pender,
Mercury News,
11 July 2025
-
The bride wore a guipure high-neck lace gown embellished with crystals and complete with a nine-foot-long train.—
Sarah Title,
People.com,
10 July 2025
Verb
-
Francie instantly annoys Nat by kissing Pete hello, and the two women start yelling at each other immediately.—
Dave Nemetz,
TVLine,
27 June 2025
-
If visible bulbs and cables annoy you, these aren’t for you.—
Simon Hill,
Wired News,
26 June 2025
Noun
-
Claiming persecution becomes more believable when it is coupled with the righteous indignation of the wronged.—
Lubna Zeidan,
Austin American Statesman,
2 July 2025
-
Some Trump allies have expressed skepticism — and at times outright indignation — at the idea of the U.S. involved in another conflict in the Middle East, while others have offered wholehearted support.—
Alex Gangitano,
The Hill,
18 June 2025
Noun
-
The fabric performed very well in our abrasion test, and didn’t develop any pilling, thinning, or loose threads whatsoever.—
Kathleen Felton,
Better Homes & Gardens,
26 June 2025
-
The abrasion test showed no tears or holes, with only slight color fading.—
Carrie Honaker,
Southern Living,
22 May 2025
Verb
-
Be careful when using this method as wire hangers can sometimes scratch the porcelain.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
4 July 2025
-
Independence Day While the rest of the films on this list surely make sense, some might be scratching their heads on why a sci-fi film is considered to be one of the greatest Fourth of July films ever made.—
James Brizuela,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 July 2025
Verb
-
Now, this fundamental principle is at risk of being eroded.—
Philippa Pham Hughes,
Time,
11 July 2025
-
Geopolitical tensions have made growth in China—its third largest market and 13% of total revenue—difficult and rival chipmakers are keen to erode its lead.—
Andrew Nusca,
Fortune,
10 July 2025
Verb
-
While notification bundles were an option before, they were primarily used for messaging, and not all developers bothered.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
30 June 2025
-
If Waldron wasn’t battered, then Phillies starter Zack Wheeler was hardly bothered.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Chafe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chafe. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
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