Synonyms of chafed

chafed

verb

past tense of chafe

1

as in irritated

to make sore by continued rubbing

ill-fitting boots that had badly chafed my heels

Synonyms & Similar Words

• irritated
• scratched
• scraped
• fretted
• galled
• excoriated
• abraded
• burned
• grazed
• peeled
• inflamed
• skinned
• flayed

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

• eroded
• wore
• frayed
• rubbed
• galled
• abraded
• reduced
• shaved
• fretted
• scraped
• rasped
• frazzled
• erased
• gnawed
• sharpened
• ate
• corraded
• chewed
• sandpapered
• filed
• scuffed
• grazed
• ground
• scoured
• nibbled
• corroded
• sandblasted
• grated
• wiped (away)
• disintegrated
• decomposed
• bit
• wore out
• dissolved
• rubbed out
• honed
• whetted
• broke down
• broke up

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

• annoyed
• irritated
• bothered
• bugged
• persecuted
• aggravated
• got
• itched
• galled
• vexed
• nettled
• irked
• exasperated
• griped
• riled
• infuriated
• ate
• worried
• angered
• peeved
• ruffled
• burned (up)
• grated
• got to
• rasped
• piqued
• teased
• plagued
• narked
• put out
• spited
• wore on
• frosted
• insulted
• provoked
• hacked (off)
• harassed
• got on one's nerves
• stuck in one's craw
• inflamed
• nagged
• got one's goat
• rubbed the wrong way
• offended
• upset
• enraged
• hassled
• set one's teeth on edge
• roused
• rankled
• heckled
• incensed
• badgered
• agitated
• pestered
• harried
• roiled
• disquieted
• unsettled
• antagonized
• maddened
• distressed
• affronted
• perturbed
• exercised
• miffed
• fretted
• outraged
• discomposed
• discomforted
• baited
• deviled
• undid
• unhinged
• bullyragged
• hagrode
• freaked (out)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• obliged
• appeased
• mollified
• pacified
• pleased
• satisfied
• gratified
• delighted
• placated
• assured
• conciliated
• cheered
• soothed
• comforted
• propitiated
• reassured
• contented
• consoled
• quieted
• gladdened
• solaced

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of chafed

Some New Yorkers chafed at the security restrictions around a key transit hub on a holiday weekend, all during a heat wave. — ABC News, 11 July 2026

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