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
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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
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
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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
Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 26 Apr. 2026
Each woman enters the fray on her own terms — Deborah cynically, Ava, performatively woke.
—Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 24 Apr. 2026
Natasha Bazika, Martha Stewart, 24 Apr. 2026
Hungarian premier-elect Peter Magyar’s incoming cabinet plans to cut taxes for low earners and held talks to repair ties with banks that frayed under Viktor Orban’s tumultuous 16 years in power.
—Andras Gergely, Bloomberg, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fray
Noun
While British royals aim to stay above the political fray, that is easier said than done.
—Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 26 Apr. 2026
Each woman enters the fray on her own terms — Deborah cynically, Ava, performatively woke.
—Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
These fragile weaves quickly fray and lose their luster when placed in high-activity areas, making the whole entryway look neglected.
—Natasha Bazika, Martha Stewart, 24 Apr. 2026
Hungarian premier-elect Peter Magyar’s incoming cabinet plans to cut taxes for low earners and held talks to repair ties with banks that frayed under Viktor Orban’s tumultuous 16 years in power.
—Andras Gergely, Bloomberg, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fray
Noun
-
Avoid ego battles with parents and bosses.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Find out for yourself with its chaotic four-on-four battles.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The Pittsburgh Penguins staved off elimination for the second straight game with a clutch Game 5 win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday night, but celebrations were briefly halted when a skirmish erupted over a controversial hit on Sidney Crosby after the final buzzer.—
Paulina Dedaj,
FOXNews.com,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Walker, in a 10-pitch skirmish, drew a walk.—
Matt Kawahara,
Houston Chronicle,
19 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
One of the defendant’s friends had a conversation with Velasquez that erupted into a brawl before the defendant charged at the victim and opened fire, the prosecutor said.—
City News Service,
Oc Register,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The dining area of a Texas Whataburger played host to another viral brawl over the weekend.—
Sean Joseph OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
In the process, however, one of the big distinguishing aspects of TV – the large audiences who once assembled to watch dramas, sitcoms and reality shows – has eroded.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
30 Apr. 2026
-
The Florida Mobile Home Act offers little real protection against excessive rent hikes or misleading practices that erode homeowners’ equity and quality of life.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Plenty of Sellers’ struggles could be pinned on offensive play calling and a lack of polished talent around him.—
Nick Baumgardner,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Water Tower Place is about to get a complete $170 million makeover, a big step toward its recovery after years of financial struggle and the loss of several major tenants.—
Brian J. Rogal,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
City will have one eye on clinching the FA Cup trophy for the third time in eight years, while Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final clashes with Atletico Madrid will take plenty out of them physically and mentally.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
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The dog-waste donnybrook was similar to another recent clash in Brooklyn that saw a 75-year-old grandmother jumped and beaten for complaining that a dog walker was not cleaning up the pooch’s poop.—
Kerry Burke,
New York Daily News,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Messick, who grew up dreaming of wearing a Rays uniform, continues to be a nightmare for his hometown team.—
Marc Topkin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Melania wore a double-breasted crepe suit from American designer Adam Lippes, who also designed her navy-and-ivory ensemble for the president's second inauguration ceremony last year.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
At one point, the crew shot a scene in which Whalen’s character joins a bar fight, shouting invectives at a hapless extra before pummelling him to the ground.—
Chang Che,
New Yorker,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Denver police on Thursday arrested a 28-year-old man who investigators said shot and killed another man in a fight near South Broadway and West Maple Avenue, department officials said in a news release.—
Katie Langford,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fray. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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