Synonyms of frayed

frayed 1 of 2

adjective

ˈfrād 

as in tattered

worn or torn into or as if into rags

she wore a beloved but badly frayed flannel shirt

Synonyms & Similar Words

• tattered
• ragged
• faded
• shabby
• raggedy
• seedy
• shredded
• threadbare
• ratty
• worn-out
• scruffy
• dingy
• dilapidated
• dowdy
• patchy
• decrepit
• mangy
• lacerate
• holey
• tacky
• grungy
• tatterdemalion
• dog-eared
• broken-down
• scuzzy
• run-down
• moth-eaten

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• new
• unused
• brand-new
• spick-and-span

frayed

2 of 2

verb

past tense of fray

as in eroded

to damage or diminish by continued friction

constant rubbing against the rock face has badly frayed our climbing rope

Synonyms & Similar Words

• eroded
• wore
• rubbed
• frazzled
• chafed
• abraded
• reduced
• galled
• sharpened
• fretted
• erased
• scraped
• gnawed
• shaved
• rasped
• scuffed
• chewed
• corraded
• corroded
• ground
• sandpapered
• ate
• disintegrated
• scoured
• filed
• grated
• nibbled
• grazed
• sandblasted
• decomposed
• wiped (away)
• bit
• dissolved
• rubbed out
• wore out
• whetted
• honed
• broke down
• broke up

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of frayed

Adjective

Steven Huefner, deputy director of the Election Law Program at Ohio State University, says poll chaplains might be able to calm the frayed nerves of a voting public that is constantly exposed to divisive rhetoric and news about political violence. — Deepa Bharath, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026

While Abrams and Brolin were able to bring the emotional gravitas to flashback scenes chronicling key moments in their frayed relationship, shooting the in-whale scenes was the overarching creative challenge. — William Earl, Variety, 17 Oct. 2026

Verb

For two years, tension over the case has frayed allegiances in Dearborn. — Glenn Rice, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2026

The relationship between the fans and the club’s hierarchy, including ownership at The Friedkin Group, has also been frayed due to the way the window ended. — Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026