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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chafes
Verb
-
Harry replies stupidly, which irritates Bri.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
3 Mar. 2025 -
Ethylene oxide can cause cancer and irritates the nervous and respiratory systems.—
Jenni Shearston,
The Conversation,
25 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Jacobs and Booth argued that hiring David Geier compromises the integrity of the scientific process, erodes public trust, and provides a platform for unreliable information.—
Beth Mole,
ArsTechnica,
9 Apr. 2025
-
This erodes financial aid eligibility, especially for middle-class families living in high-cost areas with high equity but limited liquidity.—
Ilona Limonta-Volkova,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Joseph sustained bite wounds to his leg and abrasions to his head, likely from falling onto the sidewalk during the attack, according to authorities.—
Doc Louallen,
ABC News,
10 Apr. 2025
-
Gonzalez said the horse was treated for abrasions to the skull and other injuries, per the outlet.—
Nicole Acosta,
People.com,
8 Apr. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Chafes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chafes. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
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