as in eroding
to damage or diminish by continued friction
constant rubbing against the rock face has badly frayed our climbing rope
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 fraying
Cracks in the casing, a stiff or fraying cord, or discoloration around outlets mean that your power strip is failing.
—
Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 16 May 2026
The dobby border reinforces vulnerable areas, helping prevent fraying and stretching over time.
—Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 8 May 2026
The mayor’s veto eliminated a measure to reduce public hostility at a time of toxic divisions fraying the city.
—Andrew Cuomo, New York Daily News, 2 May 2026
Val’s rapidly fraying relationship with Billy, who has called her in to talk about the disconnect between them.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fraying
Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 16 May 2026
The dobby border reinforces vulnerable areas, helping prevent fraying and stretching over time.
—Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 8 May 2026
The mayor’s veto eliminated a measure to reduce public hostility at a time of toxic divisions fraying the city.
—Andrew Cuomo, New York Daily News, 2 May 2026
Val’s rapidly fraying relationship with Billy, who has called her in to talk about the disconnect between them.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fraying
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fraying
Verb
-
Kaua'i’s northwest coast is one of the world's most rapidly eroding shores.—
Brianna Randall,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2026
-
As many others have noted, including Fortune contributor Bhaskar Chakravorti, dean of global business at the Tufts Fletcher School, this is now structurally unwinding, rather than slowly eroding.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
On July 15th, 2020, the CDC Director recommended all Americans start wearing masks as a way to 'get the epidemic under control,' citing a Morbidity and Mortality Weekly (MMWR) study involving two hairstylists in Missouri.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
1 June 2026
-
Getting off the plane, Chamberlain was wearing shades on a gloomy day.—
Nick Canepa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fraying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fraying. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
