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
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
Her lips were blue, her arms and legs chafed red.
—Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2025
It can also be used on split heels, chafed skin, calluses, sunburns, and cuticles.
—Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 4 Aug. 2025
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
Her lips were blue, her arms and legs chafed red.
—Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2025
It can also be used on split heels, chafed skin, calluses, sunburns, and cuticles.
—Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 4 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chafed
Verb
-
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
-
And the web designer from South Dakota certainly must have irritated her former final two ally Vince Panaro on her way out of the Big Brother house.—
Dalton Ross,
Entertainment Weekly,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Israeli public support for the war, which was overwhelming at the beginning, has significantly eroded.—
Tal Shalev,
CNN Money,
29 Sep. 2025
-
The job market is particularly tough for recent graduates because hiring in white-collar industries including technology has slowed significantly and advances in artificial intelligence have eroded some of the entry-level jobs that used to be a springboard for them.—
Michael Sasso,
Fortune,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
In practice, Musk bowed to authoritarian governments or banned critical journalists when their reporting annoyed him.—
Jacob Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Christian is annoyed by Max’s temporary tyranny and overall seems … normal.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The lucky ticket scratched by Hawkins was for the $100,000 Extreme Cash game, according to lottery officials.—
Abigail Adams,
PEOPLE,
1 Oct. 2025
-
With the envelope rule enforced, the match was scratched and the scoreboard adjusted to 12–5.—
Devlina Sarkar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The evidence that Song was the shooter comes from a green mask the assailant wore from which samples that tested positive for Song’s DNA were taken and from interviews with cooperating sources, FBI Special Agent Clark Wiethorn testified at the hearing.—
Emerson Clarridge,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Fazit Beauty — made famous when Swift wore the company's glitter freckles to a Chiefs game — has $15 showgirl looks.—
Bryan West,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Edman is still bothered by the same ankle injury that landed him on the IL twice this season but is expected to be available when the Dodgers start the postseason on Tuesday.—
Bill Plunkett,
Oc Register,
27 Sep. 2025
-
Finney's younger sister Gwen (Madeleine McGraw) is bothered by nightmarish visions of an alpine camp, and the siblings investigate only to discover that the Grabber has found a way to torture from the other side.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The roots frayed with nowhere to go.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
30 Sep. 2025
-
His trousers were too long, and the hems were frayed.—
Lisa K. Friedman,
PEOPLE,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
His not winning it was considered a failure, and that bugged him.—
Brody Miller,
New York Times,
21 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Chafed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chafed. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
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