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

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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

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

With Brazil’s upcoming clash with Norway providing another physical challenge in the blistering New Jersey heat, is Casemiro a help or hindrance to his team?

— Mark Carey, New York Times, 6 July 2026
Your 3rd House of Communication tightens as the vibrant Sun activates it and clashes with restrictive Saturn in your 12th House of Solitude.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 6 July 2026

Definition of clash

Verb

But on Wednesday, the day after Mexico beat Ecuador 2-0 to secure its fourth consecutive World Cup victory, the fan and his wife, Angélica Arias, walked to the plaza wearing two identical caps.

— Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
And even though Georgia law does not require this, all cyclists and scooterists should wear helmets.

— Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 5 July 2026

Definition of wear

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 11 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of fray

noun

verb

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