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
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
Her lips were blue, her arms and legs chafed red.
—Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2025
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
Her lips were blue, her arms and legs chafed red.
—Literary Hub, 7 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
-
Conservation is of major concern in this case, as the Aptostichus ramirezae species' habitat is being rapidly eroded and reduced by rising sea levels, urban development and wildfires.—
Jasmine Laws,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Oct. 2025
-
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,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
One report, citing a source close to Sheridan, even claimed the writer was annoyed that Paramount sent too many of its top suits to a meeting designed to keep Sheridan onboard, arguing that Ellison had messed up by bringing more than two execs along with him.—
Josef Adalian,
Vulture,
30 Oct. 2025
-
Simonson suggested that bartenders don’t really disdain the Bloody Mary; they just are annoyed at having to make what is almost universally considered a brunch drink after hours.—
The New York Times News Service Syndicate,
Denver Post,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
He was scratched up all over the place.—
Stephen Sorace,
FOXNews.com,
30 Oct. 2025
-
Nothing really scratched the itch.—
Michal Lev-Ram, CNBC Contributor,
CNBC,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
While arriving at The Kelly Clarkson Show, the actress wore a crewneck sweater over edgy black leather pants, a timeless fall combination that always makes a comeback.—
Nicol Natale,
PEOPLE,
31 Oct. 2025
-
To add some interest, Jenner wore an extra-long, cobalt blue scarf.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Trier noticed that some directors said hello to him, whereas others couldn’t be bothered.—
Margaret Talbot,
New Yorker,
3 Nov. 2025
-
Still, the simplicity wasn’t what bothered him.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
1 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Four years later, Afghanistan has faded from headlines and those lifelines have frayed.—
Vidushi Mishti Sharma,
Rolling Stone,
24 Oct. 2025
-
Over time, the relationship frayed.—
Devlina Sarkar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 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 4 Nov. 2025.
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