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
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in to erode
to damage or diminish by continued friction
constant rubbing against the rock face has badly frayed our climbing rope
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Hamidreza Azizi,
Time,
19 June 2026
The City Council is expected to soon step into the fray, with two competing visions of the industry’s future up for consideration.
—
Evan Simko-Bednarski,
New York Daily News,
16 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
Tehran wants arrangements that avoid binding it to a permanent and full reopening, preserving its ability to restrict passage again should the deal fray.
—
Hamidreza Azizi,
Time,
19 June 2026
The City Council is expected to soon step into the fray, with two competing visions of the industry’s future up for consideration.
—
Evan Simko-Bednarski,
New York Daily News,
16 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
-
Riff argued the issue to halt the payout was not a legal battle but rather a political one.
-
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
-
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.
-
Continue reading … — Two arrested as skirmishes erupt outside courthouse after Karmelo Anthony verdict.
Noun
-
May 26 Juniper O’Reilly and Mo Elmthorn are best friends, roommates, and farmers who share an idyllic cottage life filled with livestock, tavern visits, and the occasional brawl.
-
According to the sheriff's office, six people have been arrested in connection with the brawl.
Verb
-
That pressure erodes well-being, undermines family life, and disproportionately impacts working parents and caregivers.
-
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
-
Thomas, 25, has seen limited playing time this season due to some offensive struggles.
-
Carvalho’s struggles included a three-day strike in March 2023.
Noun
-
Enter Maddie’s Secret, Early’s directorial debut, which follows a chef at GourMaybe Test Kitchen whose rising place in the food-influencer world clashes with her lifelong struggle with bulimia.
-
Local media reported the clashes erupted because of frustrations over the delays in the migrants' returning home.
Verb
-
The high-quality dress can be worn all summer long, in playful hues like white and green.
-
The key to modernizing the pinkish-orange color in 2026 is to wear it in loose, easy silhouettes.
Noun
-
Chicago police said that an argument between the victim and another male turned into a fight when the male pulled out a gun and shot the victim.
-
In the room next door, Aaresh plays video games with his friend, like any other 12-year-old boy, taking a break from his homework and studying for a French exam, and oblivious to how his parents’ fight could change his life and those of others like him.
Cite this Entry
“Fray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fray. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
