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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of fray
Anne M. Peterson, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2025
Finally, expect other infrastructure companies with storage portfolios (both server OEMs and storage-only vendors) to jump into the fray and offer their own NCP platforms.
—Matt Kimball, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 25 Apr. 2025
But with investor nerves fraying, Tesla’s Q1 report could be a decisive moment in the company’s 2025 story — for bulls and bears alike.
—Catherine Baab, Quartz, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fray
Noun
Jumping into the fray is the Northern Super League, which kicked off last month in Canada.
—Anne M. Peterson, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2025
Finally, expect other infrastructure companies with storage portfolios (both server OEMs and storage-only vendors) to jump into the fray and offer their own NCP platforms.
—Matt Kimball, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
That processes built for stability—quality control, compliance and supplier oversight—begin to fray under the weight of reactive strategy.
—Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 25 Apr. 2025
But with investor nerves fraying, Tesla’s Q1 report could be a decisive moment in the company’s 2025 story — for bulls and bears alike.
—Catherine Baab, Quartz, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fray
Noun
-
As a 60-person battle royale, matches can be extremely long and, in tournament play, repeat over and over for hours until a winning team can be crowned.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
20 May 2025
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These include: Battlefields of the American Revolution: This pane of 15 Forever stamps features artwork and photography commemorating the battles of Lexington and Concord, Bunker Hill, Trenton, Saratoga, and Yorktown, marking the upcoming quarter-millennium of the American Revolution.—
Aliss Higham,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 May 2025
Noun
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Past skirmishes with Pakistan had allowed Modi to construct a triumphalist narrative of strength that played to his domestic audience.—
Vaibhav Vats,
The Atlantic,
21 May 2025
-
Türkiye has been vocal about its support for Pakistan in the wake of the border skirmishes, and India has severed ties with several of its businesses and universities.—
Jasreen Mayal Khanna,
AFAR Media,
19 May 2025
Noun
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In that time frame, several youths suffered drug overdoses, a teen was stabbed in the eye and 30 probation officers were indicted for allegedly organizing or allowing brawls between youths.—
James Queally,
Los Angeles Times,
16 May 2025
-
Following the brawl, which occurred in the Galveston, Texas, cruise terminal, several people were detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
12 May 2025
Verb
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Yes, the minerals in hard water stains can eventually erode the metal fixtures and scratch the glass and tiles.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
10 May 2025
-
But the collisions were brutal, eroding Means’ game in short time.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 May 2025
Noun
-
Denver won Game 3 because Aaron Gordon, Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray each scored at least 20 points, which went a long way toward subduing the struggles of Jokić.—
Tony Jones,
New York Times,
12 May 2025
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This news comes on the same day as the King’s niece Zara Tindall has opened up about the struggles experienced by members of the British Royal Family.—
Caroline Frost,
Deadline,
11 May 2025
Noun
-
Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan’s arrest and ensuing indictment has escalated a clash between President Donald Trump’s administration and local authorities over the Republican’s sweeping immigration crackdown.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2025
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Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan’s arrest and ensuing indictment has escalated a clash between President Trump’s administration and local authorities over the Republican’s sweeping immigration crackdown.—
Todd Richmond,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2025
Verb
-
Some, including Yamal, covered themselves with their hoodies and strategically wore headphones over their ears.—
Pol Ballús,
New York Times,
11 May 2025
-
Going from wearing costumes to wearing a badge is not your typical path.—
Daniel McFadin,
Arkansas Online,
11 May 2025
Noun
-
The court appearance had stalled last month due to a fight over access to a parole document.—
Karim Doumar,
Los Angeles Times,
10 May 2025
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But in his first homily on Friday since being made leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo highlighted the church’s fight against rising atheism.—
Caitlin McFall,
FOXNews.com,
9 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fray. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
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