FRAY Synonyms: 122 Similar and Opposite Words

fray 1 of 2

noun

ˈfrā

Definition of fray

as in battle

a forceful effort to reach a goal or objective another generation of scientists entered the fray to find a cure for AIDS

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in skirmish

a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups a troubled youth always getting into frays at school

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

truce

as in brawl

a rough and often noisy fight usually involving several people school officials broke up the fray and gave all guilty parties detention

Synonyms & Similar Words

fray

2 of 2

verb

as in to erode

to damage or diminish by continued friction constant rubbing against the rock face has badly frayed our climbing rope

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of fray

Noun

By sidestepping the partisan fray in his commercial songs, Foster was able to achieve widespread popularity. — Christopher Lynch, The Conversation, 1 July 2026 Monica Barbaro is getting ready to join the fray with the Ocean’s Eleven prequel. — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 30 June 2026

Verb

The same fear of a fraying dollar system is driving Russia and others toward bitcoin and pushing Wall Street to treat which reserve asset wins as a live question. — Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 Trump’s posturing underscored how his alliance with Meloni — long seen as one of his closest friends in Europe — has frayed over his war in Iran, his tariffs against Europe and his complaints when anyone disagrees with him. — Nicole Winfield, Fortune, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for fray

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fray

Noun

True, nothing so grand as a massive dragon and naval battle took place, but seeing Rhaenyra start to change into someone almost unrecognizable from her younger, more innocent self was compelling in a deeper way.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
There have been naval battles and beheadings and aerial battles and, well, more beheadings.

— Brian Grubb, Vulture, 6 July 2026

Definition of battle

Noun

The skirmishes date back to shortly after Haaland’s arrival at Manchester City in July 2022.

— Jack Lang, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham’s point toward Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner amid a heated skirmish during their game has gone mega viral.

— Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026

Definition of skirmish

Noun

That brawl with the Rockies — figuratively and almost literally — finished with the Dodgers becoming the first team to win 60 games this season.

— Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
Eaton and Contreras were both issued suspensions stemming from last week’s benches-clearing brawl involving the Washington Nationals.

— Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 7 July 2026

Definition of brawl

Verb

But this harmony is eroding as Svalbard’s unique set-up collides with increasingly fractured international relations and countries’ quest for influence in the fast-warming Arctic.

— Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 10 July 2026
In aviation, profit per passenger is often measured in single-digit dollars, which means even a minor disruption can erode the profitability of a flight.

— Christiaan Hen, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of erode

Noun

Clifford was impressed with Acuff’s ability to play through his early struggles.

— Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 5 July 2026
Older students and professionals face an existential struggle to find a job, according to Yahya Alhamarna, a 24-year-old author displaced in Gaza City.

— Sana Noor Haq, CNN Money, 5 July 2026

Definition of struggle

Noun

Messi missed one against Egypt in the round of 16 clash before scoring in the second half.

— Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026
Hollywood insider Rob Shuter is reporting that Kelce’s promise clashes with the reality of Taylor’s security team, who have been protecting her for a while.

— Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 13 July 2026

Definition of clash

Verb

On Saturday, while wearing a crisp, new black Portland Trail Blazers polo shirt, Morant talked of fresh starts, a rejuvenated and nature-loving version of himself and the desire to change narratives.

— Jason Quick, New York Times, 12 July 2026
Norwegian fans wore red and blue, Viking helmets and Haaland shirts.

— Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 12 July 2026

Definition of wear

Noun

Instead of promoting their efforts, Republican lawmakers were left scrambling when the president abruptly withdrew his support over a separate political fight.

— Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
Away from fight sports, this past month has seen three players competing at the men’s World Cup who are facing active investigations or have been charged with rape.

— Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 11 July 2026

Definition of fight

Browse Nearby Words

frauleins

fray

frayed

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Style

“Fray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fray. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of fray

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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