fray 1 of 2

noun

ˈfrā How to pronounce fray (audio)
Definition of fraynext
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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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
Along the way, Coyote, Kevin, and Paige follow a dizzying number of clues, the kind that inevitably add beloved icons like Daffy Duck, Bugs Bunny, Tweety Bird, Elmer Fuud, Foghorn Leghorn, Sylvester the Cat, and more into the fray. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 2026 The race to decide who will be the next mayor of Evanston is heating up, and now the first incumbent candidate has entered the fray. — Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026
Verb
Moore’s frayed, full-volume, Barbie-pink ball gown with a distressed bow was a break from her usual structured looks. — Beatrice Dupuy, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026 Skinner’s relationship with United had grown increasingly frayed. — Megan Feringa, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fray
  1. battle
  2. skirmish
  3. brawl
  4. erode
  5. struggle
  6. clash
  7. wear
  8. fight
Noun
  • Alex Wagner, who served as assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and reserve affairs during the Biden administration, argued recruiting has remained remarkably insulated from those political battles.
    — Steven Beynon, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The fight preceded the Zeus main event, which was a battle between stars from the network’s Baddies series, Tehneski and Big Lex.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of battle
Noun
  • The controversy is at once new and familiar, reflecting both the dramatic changes that the proliferation of AI has wrought on book publishing and echoing other skirmishes this year in which authors have been accused of using AI.
    — Cameron Pugh, Christian Science Monitor, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Elsewhere, Kyle Williams went deep again, a starting edge rusher finally popped and a small skirmish broke out on the Patriots sideline.
    — Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of skirmish
Noun
  • Apart from a drunken brawl in Ukraine a few years ago, which resulted in no charges, she was not known to the authorities.
    — Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Cubs fans reserved their real animosity for Sox fans, and naturally blamed them for the huge brawl in the right-center bleachers Monday night that quickly went viral.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of brawl
Verb
  • Hence the switch, a year or so after the film’s release, to a stadium now named after the latest in a long line of sponsors that, for all the vital money brought in, have slightly eroded identity.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • If Chinese production pushes hardware prices into a freefall, the collateral backing hundreds of billions in private loans could erode far faster than the terms of the debt itself, leaving investors exposed to losses, according to Emons.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of erode
Noun
  • Throughout the years, Panettiere spoke openly about her struggles with addiction.
    — Karina Tsui, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Panettiere has long been candid about her struggles navigating child stardom and fame, often opening up about her experiences with severe postpartum depression (PPD), addiction, and anxiety.
    — Jodi Guglielmi, Rolling Stone, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of struggle
Noun
  • The case highlights the clash between the public’s expectation of privacy and the government’s contention that warrantless searches of phones and other electronics help keep Americans safe.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Regular clashes in race dates between the two series have been a problem for drivers hoping to pair their racing programs.
    — Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of clash
Verb
  • Cue forward Josh Windass revealing on camera how James, as one of those who had worn the armband during the season, had approached him about setting up a meeting with just the players present.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Workers who spend hours outdoors, such as construction and farm workers, also commonly wear UPF clothing.
    — Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of wear
Noun
  • With just four games of their regular season remaining, their challenge for the promotion play-offs seemed to be slipping away without much of a fight.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • No matter, seconds later Scott's corner threw multiple towels in the ring to stop the fight.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of fight

Browse Nearby Words

frauleins
fray
frayed
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Cite this Entry

“Fray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fray. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of fray for Spanish Speakers

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