fret 1 of 2

Definition of fretnext
1
as in to erode
to consume or wear away gradually over the span of thousands of years, the annual spring runoff fretted the rock, forming a deep channel

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
as in to worry
to experience concern or anxiety don't fret over whether it will be sunny tomorrow, as there's nothing we can do about it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4
as in to irritate
to make sore by continued rubbing the stiff, starchy collar was fretting my neck, and I couldn't wait to change out of that costume

Synonyms & Similar Words

fret

2 of 2

noun

as in panic
a state of nervous or irritated concern one of my customers always gets into a fret if I'm so much as 15 minutes late delivering his newspaper

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 fret
Verb
But the stock has retreated since June 17 as investors fret over whether the company can justify its valuation exceeding $2 trillion. Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 23 June 2026 Don't fret, though, because dinner can still be saved if this slipped your mind. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 22 June 2026 If that sounds too far off, there's no need to fret. Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 18 June 2026 In it, Heuermann complained about jail food and exercise conditions and fretted that guards might be reading his mail. Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for fret
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fret
Verb
  • But Koppl traced a distinctly American lineage through a chain of precedents dating back more than 50 years, each one further eroding the market discipline that profit-and-loss accountability is supposed to provide.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 3 July 2026
  • Moscow says the strike was retaliation for Ukraine’s 40-day campaign on Russian oil refineries and supply lines, which has fueled shortages, hit Crimea and eroded battlefield momentum.
    Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • But on Wednesday, the day after Mexico beat Ecuador 2-0 to secure its fourth consecutive World Cup victory, the fan and his wife, Angélica Arias, walked to the plaza wearing two identical caps.
    Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
  • And even though Georgia law does not require this, all cyclists and scooterists should wear helmets.
    Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
Verb
  • At 53%, most Americans worry AI could cost them or someone in their household a job, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released in June.
    Rachel Barber, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • The 2025 outbreak was HPAI, and that’s the strain that continues to worry veterinarians and poultry scientists.
    Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Avoid potentially irritating actives Immediately after shaving is not the time to reach for your strongest skin-care products.
    Emma-Jade Stoddart, Glamour, 5 July 2026
  • While some of my linen pieces feel scratchy, this one is ultra soft and doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin.
    Shea Simmons, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • Messaging is also critical, given the impact of panic-buying.
    Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • By then, CrowdStrike had fallen to the $90s, as panic had repeatedly ensued.
    Jim Cramer, CNBC, 5 July 2026
Verb
  • Don't forget to check the social media accounts of your local favorite eating spots for more deals.
    Mike Snider, USA Today, 5 July 2026
  • Many kinds of fly larvae eat dead or decaying tissue and may sometimes end up on meat, but New World screwworm larvae need living tissue to survive and develop.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
Verb
  • Now, Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton present a stark choice to voters in the race to be the next governor at a moment when public support for the state’s generous safety net is starting to fray.
    Christine Mai-Duc, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
  • The same fear of a fraying dollar system is driving Russia and others toward bitcoin and pushing Wall Street to treat which reserve asset wins as a live question.
    Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Some scratches early in this past season led to reports of Mintyukov requesting a trade, but the smooth-skating blueliner improved his play and settled in on Anaheim’s second defense pairing.
    Eric Stephens, New York Times, 5 July 2026
  • In a game not known for high scores, the pace of goals in this World Cup has left some fans scratching their heads.
    Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 3 July 2026

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Fret.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fret. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on fret

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster