Thesaurus results for FRAYING

fraying

verb

Definition of fraying

present participle of fray

as in eroding

to damage or diminish by continued friction constant rubbing against the rock face has badly frayed our climbing rope

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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 Out of practice and endurance, Dylan’s voice is fraying and weak. — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 7 Nov. 2026 In a comprehensive feature story this week, Ars reports on the fraying relationship between SpaceX and NASA. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 30 Oct. 2026 The murder of two Israeli soldiers in the West Bank is the jumping-off point for a large-scale invasion of the Palestinian territory, a move that would further test the nation’s fraying relationship with the United States. — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 24 Oct. 2026 During the Lin regime, one source told us that relationships with filmmakers were fraying. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 19 Oct. 2026 Can President Trump hold his fraying coalition together, or will these red flags lead to a blue wave? — Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026 By the late 1960s, confidence in technological progress was fraying. — Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026 At a time when the social safety net is fraying and affordability is a midterm-election mantra, churches are stepping into the void. — John Blake, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026 Hegseth’s fraying ties on the Hill put him on course for a bigger headache after the election, according to interviews with a half-dozen senators as well as multiple administration officials. — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 28 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fraying

Verb

With first-party fraud and friendly disputes eroding already thin retail margins, managing chargebacks requires far more than basic operational recovery.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2026
Humboldt County officials have long debated what to do about Centerville Road, a narrow, twisting byway that leads to an eroding rural beach and a handful of homes.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of eroding

Verb

In the photo, Ever is wearing black mascara that highlights her blue-green eyes, the spitting image of her mother’s, and glossy pink lipstick.

— Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 6 Nov. 2026
Our short list shapes up with a 200-hp power cruiser wearing a Lotus badge, a five-cylinder Puch moped, and an eight-cylinder, 1,000cc two-stroke motorcycle.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of wearing

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frayed

fraying

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“Fraying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fraying. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of fraying

verb

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