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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 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 The companies on this year's list are tackling problems that range from rising energy demand to fraying supply chains. — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026 Its tale of a Zainichi assassin (an ethnic Korean in Japan), as well as fraying political tensions between the North and South, take its characters far and wide, in a follow-the-money treasure hunt dangerously close to the halls of power. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026 Social cohesion is fraying, and crime is rising, while plunging birth rates and emigration warp Cuba’s demographics. — Will Freeman, Foreign Affairs, 17 Sep. 2026 Despite fraying relations with FIFA, the vibe once the sport began was largely good. — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2026 That approach ups the stakes along with the body count, and gives James the opportunity to dig into his character’s fraying psyche. — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 3 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fraying

Verb

By the late 1500s, the once vigorous Ming was severely eroding.

— Carl Minzner, Foreign Affairs, 5 Oct. 2026
That unease is eroding faith in political leaders and fueling calls for upheaval across the spectrum, from young conservatives to students backing progressive challengers in Michigan.

— Jacqueline Ganun, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of eroding

Verb

Around me were fellow guests wearing Fendi headscarves and puffy Prada vests — none yet of the business travellers checking in with expense accounts.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026
Dozens of protesters, many of them young, dressed in black and wearing masks, threw rocks and firecrackers at police at the central Brussels railway station, before setting several fires, one to a pile of city bikes and electric scooters.

— Mark Carlson, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of wearing

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“Fraying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fraying. Accessed 12 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of fraying

verb

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