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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to wear
to damage or diminish by continued friction
don't let the girth fret the horse's belly or you won't be able to ride him
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
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
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Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of fret
Isabella Milano, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Mar. 2025
Not many Newcastle fans felt inclined to fret about the small print on the back of a winning ticket.
—Oliver Kay, The Athletic, 19 Mar. 2025
Consumers worry that the duties will spark another round of painful inflation, and investors are fretting that higher prices will mean lower profits and a tougher slog for the battered stock market.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 1 Apr. 2025
Many who had fretted over her campaign warmed to her.
—Nathalie Tocci, Foreign Affairs, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fret
Verb
No Problem For those who don't have the convenience of a patio or even a grill, don't fret.
—Isabella Milano, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Mar. 2025
Not many Newcastle fans felt inclined to fret about the small print on the back of a winning ticket.
—Oliver Kay, The Athletic, 19 Mar. 2025
Consumers worry that the duties will spark another round of painful inflation, and investors are fretting that higher prices will mean lower profits and a tougher slog for the battered stock market.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 1 Apr. 2025
Many who had fretted over her campaign warmed to her.
—Nathalie Tocci, Foreign Affairs, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fret
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fret
Verb
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The sand is eroded into curious little ditches, and there’s litter underfoot, the mummified remains of dead fish.—
Joyce Carol Oates,
The New Yorker,
16 Mar. 2025
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As water erodes fractures in the bedrock, new cracks and pathways form, changing the contaminants that are entering your well.—
Alec Janis,
Hartford Courant,
15 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Tobacco smoking, not wearing seatbelts and riding motorcycles can reduce years from your healthspan.—
Renée Onque,
CNBC,
17 Apr. 2025
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On April 16, the former Disney star stepped out in Los Angeles wearing the quintessential millennial-outfit formula.—
Emily Tannenbaum,
Glamour,
17 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Victims of car collisions may have more to worry about as insurance companies warn drivers to be aware of a growing scam involving tow truck companies.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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Critics worry that other anti-democratic actors will be taking cues from Bukele to curry favor with this particular president.—
David Catanese,
Miami Herald,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The second walk irritated the pitcher, as home plate umpire Bruce Dreckman’s ball four call on a 3-2 count appeared incorrect.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
7 Apr. 2025
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If not properly diluted, vinegar's acidity can irritate your throat or erode tooth enamel over time.—
Johna Burdeos,
Health,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Trump faces growing pushback from his own party The markets were still in a panic on Monday when an unverified report circulated that the president was considering a 90-day pause on the tariffs.—
Time,
Time,
10 Apr. 2025
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As the deadline for obtaining a Real ID approaches, many Americans are scrambling to secure an appointment, some expressing panic over long delays at state DMVs.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The successful hatchings come about a year after Scout ate two of his chicks as a first-time dad, leaving the pair with no surviving eaglets from their first nesting season, McClatchy News previously reported.—
Olivia Lloyd,
Miami Herald,
24 Mar. 2025
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The calls came while eating lunch, while lying in bed at night.—
Max Klaver,
Miami Herald,
24 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Their sense of social well-being is fraying at an alarming rate.—
Gillian Oakenfull,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
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The fascia is peeling off, roof shingles are fraying, the stairs should be replaced and the electrical system needs an upgrade.—
Jim Woods,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Some people may have been scratching their heads when kids started screaming and crying after seeing a pig wearing a crown; With zombie pig men and skeleton archers riding spiders, why would this specific creature elicit such a guttural reaction?—
Issy van der Velde,
Rolling Stone,
9 Apr. 2025
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Patrick Golz purchased a pair of $1,000,000 Gold Rush tickets, worth $50 each, and won the $1 million grand prize after scratching the second ticket, the Virginia Lottery said in an April 8 news release.—
Natalie Demaree,
Miami Herald,
8 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fret.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fret. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.
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