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
And for little ones with whose cheeks might be chafed due to diaper rash, the Sweet Cheeks Diaper Paste helps seal out wetness and irritants to protect skin.
—
Hannah Sacks,
PEOPLE,
23 June 2026
Afterward, he was asked about race and politics almost exclusively, a narrowing of his work that often chafed.
—
Julian Lucas,
New Yorker,
22 June 2026
Musicians have chafed against being perceived forever, but ear seem to take it extra seriously.
—
Kieran Press-Reynolds,
Pitchfork,
15 June 2026
Five current and former Forest Service officials say Bridger Aerospace has chafed at the agency’s rigorous inspections, even as records and sources indicate the company has presented aircraft in need of maintenance and repairs as ready to fight fires.
—
Abe Streep,
ProPublica,
9 June 2026
But others have chafed at his involvement and his frequent veto threats.
—
Seth Klamann,
Denver Post,
2 June 2026
But lawmakers who chafed at being pushed around by the inflexible governor’s demands for the past eight years found their backbone just in time to do the wrong thing.
—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
30 May 2026
Several also chafed at the idea that Iowa officials would likely try to hold their caucus first, regardless of whether the DNC gave them the go-ahead.
—
Daniel C. Vock,
Chicago Tribune,
27 May 2026
In the years after, quotas were largely restored – but Opec’s ability to affect world prices was relatively limited, and poorer members often chafed at the restrictions.
—
The Week Uk,
TheWeek,
23 May 2026
Hannah Sacks,
PEOPLE,
23 June 2026
Afterward, he was asked about race and politics almost exclusively, a narrowing of his work that often chafed.
—
Julian Lucas,
New Yorker,
22 June 2026
Musicians have chafed against being perceived forever, but ear seem to take it extra seriously.
—
Kieran Press-Reynolds,
Pitchfork,
15 June 2026
Five current and former Forest Service officials say Bridger Aerospace has chafed at the agency’s rigorous inspections, even as records and sources indicate the company has presented aircraft in need of maintenance and repairs as ready to fight fires.
—
Abe Streep,
ProPublica,
9 June 2026
But others have chafed at his involvement and his frequent veto threats.
—
Seth Klamann,
Denver Post,
2 June 2026
But lawmakers who chafed at being pushed around by the inflexible governor’s demands for the past eight years found their backbone just in time to do the wrong thing.
—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
30 May 2026
Several also chafed at the idea that Iowa officials would likely try to hold their caucus first, regardless of whether the DNC gave them the go-ahead.
—
Daniel C. Vock,
Chicago Tribune,
27 May 2026
In the years after, quotas were largely restored – but Opec’s ability to affect world prices was relatively limited, and poorer members often chafed at the restrictions.
—
The Week Uk,
TheWeek,
23 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chafed
Verb
-
But the idea has irritated California’s billionaire class, and some have left the state in protest or threatened to do so.
-
Hasslers, the researchers found, tended to be people who irritated the study respondents but whom the respondents could not escape.
Verb
-
Fierce domestic competition has eroded its footprint in China, one of its most important markets.
-
Moscow says the strike was retaliation for Ukraine’s 40-day campaign on Russian oil refineries and supply lines, which has fueled shortages, hit Crimea and eroded battlefield momentum.
Verb
-
Others are annoyed that its ambiguous language will create confusion over how — or if — the state will enforce compliance.
-
David goes on a tour of the past 250 years and is deeply annoyed by every facet of it.
Verb
-
The Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Department advised anyone bitten or scratched by a bat or other wild animal to promptly clean the wound with soap and water, then contact a physician or go to the emergency room.
-
Casey Schmitt was scratched from Sunday’s starting lineup due to an illness, but entered the game for the ailing Adames.
Verb
-
Most opponents wore red, the color that has united grassroots organizations across the city against data centers.
-
Paltrow wore a black, strapless gown and buckled slippers, while Martin sported a two-tone brown-and-blue sweater over a white T-shirt, with brown corduroy pants and a stylishly thin belt.
Verb
-
Maybe Bill Plaschke would be aware of that, and give due credit, if his hometown major newspaper bothered to have a dedicated correspondent covering one of the city’s NBA teams.
-
For all the breathless coverage devoted to celebrity engagements, weddings, and whirlwind divorces, some of Hollywood’s most enduring love stories involve couples who never bothered with the paperwork.
Verb
-
Trump’s posturing underscored how his alliance with Meloni — long seen as one of his closest friends in Europe — has frayed over his war in Iran, his tariffs against Europe and his complaints when anyone disagrees with him.
-
Meloni is astonished and defiant Trump’s posturing underscored how his alliance with Meloni — who has long been seen as one of his closest friends in Europe — has frayed over his war in Iran, his tariffs against Europe and his complaints when anyone disagrees with him.
Verb
-
When Riley returned to the table, La La told me that his high profile in the city sometimes bugged her, because fans were always interrupting them, even sitting down at their table.
-
Upon arriving at big-league camp this spring, Rojas said the different grip initially bugged him.
Cite this Entry
“Chafed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chafed. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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