1
2
as in eroded
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 annoyed
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of chafed
Latin Americans have, by and large, chafed at such naked displays of Washington’s power.
—
Alan McPherson, The Conversation, 2 Nov. 2025
Fake blood in color films Prop makers striving for realism and nuance chafed under the restrictions of early film technology.
—Mark Hay, Popular Science, 9 Oct. 2025
Several high-profile managers, who chafed at a more structured environment under the new owners, departed.
—Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 15 Sep. 2025
But from the beginning, public broadcasting was in the crosshairs of right-wing politicians who chafed at the idea of the government supporting socially relevant and often educational fare.
—Michael Schneider, Variety, 12 Sep. 2025
Some House Republicans chafed at the accusation during floor debates this week.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025
Their governments have chafed for years at the global dominance the US has enjoyed since the collapse of the Soviet Union.
—Ivan Watson, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2025
Stigwood chafed at making anything less than a gritty film.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 21 Aug. 2025
Still, the Jews chafed under Roman rule and finally rebelled in 66 CE, a revolt which invited the wrath of the Roman legions led by future emperors Vespasian and his son Titus.
—Jacob Jones, JSTOR Daily, 13 Aug. 2025
Alan McPherson, The Conversation, 2 Nov. 2025
Fake blood in color films Prop makers striving for realism and nuance chafed under the restrictions of early film technology.
—Mark Hay, Popular Science, 9 Oct. 2025
Several high-profile managers, who chafed at a more structured environment under the new owners, departed.
—Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 15 Sep. 2025
But from the beginning, public broadcasting was in the crosshairs of right-wing politicians who chafed at the idea of the government supporting socially relevant and often educational fare.
—Michael Schneider, Variety, 12 Sep. 2025
Some House Republicans chafed at the accusation during floor debates this week.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025
Their governments have chafed for years at the global dominance the US has enjoyed since the collapse of the Soviet Union.
—Ivan Watson, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2025
Stigwood chafed at making anything less than a gritty film.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 21 Aug. 2025
Still, the Jews chafed under Roman rule and finally rebelled in 66 CE, a revolt which invited the wrath of the Roman legions led by future emperors Vespasian and his son Titus.
—Jacob Jones, JSTOR Daily, 13 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chafed
Verb
-
But those movements further irritated a rib injury that Hendrix first sustained during Wicked night.—
Lynette Rice,
Deadline,
28 Oct. 2025
-
The decision by Aaron Turner, Kuminga’s agent, to go on a media tour in recent weeks while negotiating publicly in hopes of landing a better offer for Kuminga, irritated some with the organization, according to league sources.—
Nick Friedell,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
In particular, the city’s stormwater system is failing as pipes have eroded and caused sinkholes to pop up in some parts of the city.—
Taylor O'Connor,
Kansas City Star,
5 Nov. 2025
-
But the Court’s authority itself has been eroded by years of partisan battles.—
Dan Perry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
She’d been awakened by their puppy, and had been annoyed at Ryan, who hadn’t gotten up early with the dog like he was supposed to.—
Jamie Thompson,
The Atlantic,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Kelce was evaluated for a concussion in the locker room, and he was annoyed at having to answer the questions that are part of the test.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
In October alone, shoppers were attacked in a supermarket, a Spanish tourist was scratched by a cub at a heritage site, and a trail runner was forced to wrestle a bear in the woods before sprinting to safety.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Six Central and North American teams scratched, leaving Cuba to qualify.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
As for accessories, Obama wore a pair of white, firework-like earrings from the Chanel collection as well.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
6 Nov. 2025
-
At the game, Swift wore head-to-toe Chiefs red, including a $550 Courrèges sweater and matching $650 Courrèges skirt.—
Charna Flam,
PEOPLE,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
If you can’t be bothered to make the most of your credit card points, Shop With Points may be your best alternative.—
Sarah Hostetler,
CNBC,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Ron can’t be bothered much with Douglas.—
Ben Rosenstock,
Vulture,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The first one will be connected to a larger community center so that even people who are not in-patient will be able to access health care, mental health care, career counseling, financial planning management and family therapy services to help rebuild relationships frayed by addiction.—
Tatiana Siegel,
Variety,
28 Oct. 2025
-
Four years later, Afghanistan has faded from headlines and those lifelines have frayed.—
Vidushi Mishti Sharma,
Rolling Stone,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Banks has bugged Kerkering to clean his locker, to no avail.—
Charlotte Varnes,
New York Times,
8 Oct. 2025
-
Power gains are bugged to be too low for a new power grind that no one wants to do anyway.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Chafed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chafed. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.
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