1
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
2
as in skirmish
a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups
a troubled youth always getting into frays at school
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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
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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
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Recent Examples of fray
Matt Reigle Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
27 June 2026
The Chicago Outfit entered the fray in 1955, taking control of the Riviera hotel and casino.
—
Adam Harrington,
CBS News,
23 June 2026
Jonathan Lambert,
NPR,
13 June 2026
New York was broke, fraying at the edges and dangerous in ways that became part of its mythology.
—
Alaa Elassar,
CNN Money,
13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for fray
Noun
But amid the festivities, a newlywed couple, their wedding party and their photographer got caught in the fray.
—
Matt Reigle Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
27 June 2026
The Chicago Outfit entered the fray in 1955, taking control of the Riviera hotel and casino.
—
Adam Harrington,
CBS News,
23 June 2026
Verb
And that net of community health workers who serve as links between families and this lifesaving treatment is fraying.
—
Jonathan Lambert,
NPR,
13 June 2026
New York was broke, fraying at the edges and dangerous in ways that became part of its mythology.
—
Alaa Elassar,
CNN Money,
13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for fray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fray
Noun
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Riff argued the issue to halt the payout was not a legal battle but rather a political one.
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While the first half of the match was full of battles and speed runs from one goal to another, the players seem to be taking a more methodical pace after returning from the locker room.
Noun
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While the war ended years before, the hostility spread from the stands — with skirmishes among supporters — into the field, when Maradona tricked the referee and the world with the World Cup’s most infamous goal, punching the ball into the net with his fist above England’s goalie Peter Shilton.
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Continue reading … — Two arrested as skirmishes erupt outside courthouse after Karmelo Anthony verdict.
Noun
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Thirteen players, including four Australians, are ejected for their part in the brawl.
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The Red Sox and Nationals turned a regular June game into the biggest baseball brawl of the season after Boston hothead Willson Contreras completely lost it.
Verb
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That pressure erodes well-being, undermines family life, and disproportionately impacts working parents and caregivers.
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Starmer is leaving after two years in office marred by missteps and judgment errors that eroded his standing with his party and the public.
Noun
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Thomas, 25, has seen limited playing time this season due to some offensive struggles.
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Carvalho’s struggles included a three-day strike in March 2023.
Noun
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But Kubo hasn’t played since suffering a meniscus tear in Japan’s opener against the Netherlands, and yesterday he was ruled out for the Brazil clash.
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At the heart of the clash is how to manage wild horse populations that can reproduce at a rapid clip.
Verb
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The high-quality dress can be worn all summer long, in playful hues like white and green.
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The key to modernizing the pinkish-orange color in 2026 is to wear it in loose, easy silhouettes.
Noun
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Panama is already eliminated from advancing to the knockout round, but is continuing to show some fight here.
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Chicago police said the two women, aged 27 and 36, got into a fight in an apparent road rage incident.
Cite this Entry
“Fray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fray. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
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