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
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2
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
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
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Recent Examples of fray
Colette Davidson, Christian Science Monitor, 9 Apr. 2025
But among the fray of the Panthers’ spending spree that landed the likes of Tre’von Moehrig, Tershawn Wharton and Rico Dowdle, Patrick Jones got a bit lost in the shuffle of the movement during the first wave of NFL free agency.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 3 Apr. 2025
Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025
The real concern here is whether the relationship between the Davies camp and the national team could be frayed, following Huoseh’s comments on Canada’s handling of his injury situation.
—Sebastian Stafford-Bloor and More, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fray
Noun
But while the transatlantic relationship frays, the European continent has found a new potential leader on military matters: the United Kingdom.
—Colette Davidson, Christian Science Monitor, 9 Apr. 2025
But among the fray of the Panthers’ spending spree that landed the likes of Tre’von Moehrig, Tershawn Wharton and Rico Dowdle, Patrick Jones got a bit lost in the shuffle of the movement during the first wave of NFL free agency.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
The fascia is peeling off, roof shingles are fraying, the stairs should be replaced and the electrical system needs an upgrade.
—Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025
The real concern here is whether the relationship between the Davies camp and the national team could be frayed, following Huoseh’s comments on Canada’s handling of his injury situation.
—Sebastian Stafford-Bloor and More, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fray
Noun
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The Trump administration is also embroiled in a contentious legal battle regarding deportation involving Kilmar Abrego Garcia.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Apr. 2025
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Francis died Monday at 88 years old following a life-threatening battle with respiratory ailments.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The Holy Roman Empire army did eventually move on from the camp, engaging in several skirmishes with the Swedish army stationed nearby.—
Brendan Rascius,
Miami Herald,
18 Apr. 2025
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Today’s group readies to replay the opening battle skirmish, practicing to get their roles down for the upcoming anniversary celebration.—
Melanie Stetson Freeman,
Christian Science Monitor,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Same for a trip to a country bar, where Chris picks up the dance moves insanely quickly and Brax starts a window-crashing brawl.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
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Behind them, the brawl for the final two play-off places — to join one of the three aforementioned teams and Sunderland — continued to be played out between Middlesbrough, Coventry City, West Bromwich Albion and Bristol City.—
Gregg Evans,
New York Times,
22 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The other is a more nebulous worry that programmable money, by definition, erodes individual autonomy.—
Zennon Kapron,
Forbes.com,
30 Apr. 2025
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There is no question that high tariffs will erode Chinese exporters’ access to the U.S. market.—
Zongyuan Zoe Liu,
Foreign Affairs,
29 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The Tower is not always an omen of hardship and struggle.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 May 2025
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Since then Hutchinson has maintained that the murders were committed by two home invaders and that the family was killed in a struggle.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
1 May 2025
Noun
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This square can spark clashes between the need for stability (Taurus) and the desire for bold self-expression (Leo).—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
19 Apr. 2025
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With nearly 8 million Venezuelans displaced—the second-largest migration globally and the largest ever within South America—the film captures rising tensions, cultural clashes, and radicalization in Chile’s border communities.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
17 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Famously, stage and film star Sir Sean Connery openly discussed wearing a headpiece in all of his James Bond roles.—
Rhiannon Frater,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2025
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Inter won a free kick in the first minute of the second half — and Chivu, who wore a sporadically unclasped rugby scrum cap during the game, blasted it wide from 40 yards out, emphasising their total disinterest in mounting any meaningful attack.—
Conor O'Neill,
New York Times,
29 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The fight is actually bigger than just, oh, how much money does Harvard have?—
Ray Sanchez,
CNN Money,
28 Apr. 2025
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Create a powerful statement that positions me against this enemy and explains why this fight matters to my audience.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fray. Accessed 4 May. 2025.
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