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

The memento, sourced from a Salvation Army, does show some signs of use in the film, including staining, frayed fringe, and some loose threads. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 24 June 2026

Clemente suggests looking out for frayed or damaged cords, cracked plugs, unusual warmth, buzzing noises, burning smells, or discoloration around outlets. — Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 9 June 2026

Verb

The terms of the memorandum have been hazily defined, and the agreement has quickly frayed. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 14 July 2026

Meloni is astonished and defiant Trump’s posturing underscored how his alliance with Meloni — who has long been 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, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026