as in irritating
causing annoyance
learned to ignore those chafing comments that his mother-in-law was constantly making
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in scratching
to make sore by continued rubbing
ill-fitting boots that had badly chafed my heels
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in wearing
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 annoying
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of chafing
Lauren Groff, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2025
Verb
To me, an American woman in the early 21st century, prickly and free-spirited Lady Murasaki now appears to have been chafing under conformist pressures in the Heian court.
—Lauren Groff, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chafing
Adjective
-
Nina not being there contributed to one of the most irritating moments in this season so far, with Antonio smugly blowing a kiss into the camera for her and gloating about being in the top after her harsh critique last week.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
29 Aug. 2025
-
An irritating habit of his is to stop by and launch into long-winded stories about some mundane event in his present or past life or to pontificate about a current event.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Of all the head-scratching mysteries in California, none is more aggravating than the state’s high-speed rail project.—
U T Editorial Board,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Aug. 2025
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In terms of humans actually reproducing in space, however, scientists may just be scratching the surface as studies of pregnancy in space are limited to animals — and also potentially more limited to men, as fewer women have traveled to space.—
Jessica Rendall,
Space.com,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The friends were both wearing some form of American flag on their outfits and were visiting from Syracuse, New York.—
BrieAnna J. Frank,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
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The style is perfect for wearing into the cooler months, as it can easily be layered over cozy knits.—
Christina Holevas,
Vogue,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The competitive father, however, noted that his son has picked up Rafael Nadal's forehand, playfully annoying Novak by mimicking his rival's swing.—
Skyler Caruso,
People.com,
27 Aug. 2025
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So, how can an organization remain current on customers' ever-changing needs and expectations without annoying or estranging them?—
Chip Bell,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Miami has a lot to prove, and Hill is expected to return to form after a frustrating season if the Dolphins were to make a push for the playoffs.—
Hunter Mulholland,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Aug. 2025
-
Some days are easier than others, and some are frustrating, but being steady makes a difference.—
Essence,
Essence,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The Scatturice Network Expands While the economy provides the backdrop, multiple corruption cases continue eroding the Milei administration's credibility.—
Agustino Fontevecchia,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
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As Robert Putnam documented in Bowling Alone, the churches, neighborhood associations, and bowling leagues that once anchored American communities have steadily lost members and influence, eroding civic life and our trust in one another.—
Todd Rogers,
Time,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
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So, at least for now, Chamorro is not bothering with the official Pop Mart drops.—
Ramishah Maruf,
CNN Money,
24 Aug. 2025
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While there is still hope that Clark can return this season from the groin injury that has been bothering her, there is no guarantee of that becoming a reality.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
That's depicted in a disturbing, if somewhat inscrutable, scene.—
Esther Zuckerman,
Time,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Possibly, something disturbing will occur because someone has decided to make emotional demands on you.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
6 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Chafing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chafing. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.
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