1
2
as in wears
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 annoys
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
1
as in angers
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
2
as in scratches
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of chafes
Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 24 May 2026
Villanueva still chafes over these watchdog agencies.
—Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
The lively, spirited daughter of an Afghani immigrant family chafes against the traditional values of her family and immigrant community.
—The Know, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026
As John's disciplinary hearing draws ever closer, the protagonist increasingly chafes at his attempts to smooth over the situation.
—Megan McCluskey, Time, 5 Mar. 2026
Throughout, emotion churns and chafes against a backdrop of political unrest, corporate malfeasance, and the everyday horrors that erode modern life.
—Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 13 Feb. 2026
What follows is an absurd reckoning that mixes surreal humor and domestic drama as Shula chafes against her relatives’ hysterical funeral planning.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 9 Dec. 2025
Zwick is such a conventional filmmaker that DiCaprio chafes trying to break out of the Reluctant Hero straitjacket Zwick puts him in.
—Tim Grierson, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
What feels like sci-fi resolves into a Realist worker portrait as a technological fantasy of efficiency chafes against the fleshy, earthly physical world.
—Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 24 May 2026
Villanueva still chafes over these watchdog agencies.
—Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
The lively, spirited daughter of an Afghani immigrant family chafes against the traditional values of her family and immigrant community.
—The Know, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026
As John's disciplinary hearing draws ever closer, the protagonist increasingly chafes at his attempts to smooth over the situation.
—Megan McCluskey, Time, 5 Mar. 2026
Throughout, emotion churns and chafes against a backdrop of political unrest, corporate malfeasance, and the everyday horrors that erode modern life.
—Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 13 Feb. 2026
What follows is an absurd reckoning that mixes surreal humor and domestic drama as Shula chafes against her relatives’ hysterical funeral planning.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 9 Dec. 2025
Zwick is such a conventional filmmaker that DiCaprio chafes trying to break out of the Reluctant Hero straitjacket Zwick puts him in.
—Tim Grierson, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chafes
Verb
-
Elsa’s inquisitive presence almost instantly irritates Amalia, as the latter refuses to simply acquiesce to her relentless quizzing.—
Lé Baltar,
IndieWire,
16 May 2026
-
The impish half-smile that irritates opponents eventually returns to his face, though.—
Chris Smith,
Vanity Fair,
11 May 2026
Verb
-
The formula leaves skin with a velvety matte, poreless finish and wears beautifully under makeup thanks to its blurring effect.—
Iman Balagam,
Vogue,
12 June 2026
-
Kate Middleton often wears styles in bright, bold colors with contrasting white collars and cuffs, an element Diana also often employed.—
Giorgia Olivieri,
Vanity Fair,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
What is the pettiest thing that annoys you during a race weekend?—
Jeff Gluck,
New York Times,
3 June 2026
-
Seeing this much effort put into ripping off people annoys him.—
Rob Pegoraro,
PC Magazine,
1 June 2026
Noun
-
More recently, Tandy Hills experienced issues with ATVs being driven through the park and damaging wildflowers, sparking outrages on social media from people who demanded the city take action.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
25 Mar. 2026
-
As has always been the case in my life, my main way of responding to political outrages is through writing and reading.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Within days, Jesni was released from the hospital with a few scratches and not a single broken bone.—
Lauren Mascarenhas,
CNN Money,
6 June 2026
-
Use a non-abrasive cleaning tool like a microfiber cloth to prevent scratches.—
Maria Sabella,
The Spruce,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
Performance can remain visible even while relational health erodes.—
Britton Bloch,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
-
Multiple groups complained that the amendment erodes CPUC’s oversight authority, unfairly benefits big companies such as A&T and would lead to a host of potential problems hurting customers in rural as well as urban areas.—
Rob Nikolewski,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
What bothers me still is the Maloofs or (current ownership) never honored Rick with a special night.—
Joe Davidson,
Sacbee.com,
3 June 2026
-
Shields added at the time that she's learned to speak up when something bothers her rather than assuming her spouse can read her mind.—
Ashlyn Robinette,
PEOPLE,
27 May 2026
Noun
-
The man had bruising around both eyes, blood around his mouth and abrasions on his shoulder, back and back of his neck.—
Nick Ferraro,
Twin Cities,
2 June 2026
-
The driver died at the scene, and an ambulance service transported the remainder of the passengers to the hospital to treat several broken fingers, concussions, bruises, abrasions and a broken femur, per PSN Zrt.—
Desiree Anello,
PEOPLE,
31 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Chafes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chafes. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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