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
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of fret
Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 4 Mar. 2026
How to Keep Ants Away Naturally If baking soda seems to be doing little to stop your ant problem, don't fret.
—Rabekah Henderson, The Spruce, 3 Mar. 2026
Rather than fretting over trends, make intentional alterations to the floor plan that feel special rather than builder-grade, McSwain says.
—Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Mar. 2026
Williams – on a two-way contract – saw no reason to fret.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fret
Verb
More When Republicans fret, Chuck Schumer is happy.
—Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 4 Mar. 2026
How to Keep Ants Away Naturally If baking soda seems to be doing little to stop your ant problem, don't fret.
—Rabekah Henderson, The Spruce, 3 Mar. 2026
Rather than fretting over trends, make intentional alterations to the floor plan that feel special rather than builder-grade, McSwain says.
—Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Mar. 2026
Williams – on a two-way contract – saw no reason to fret.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fret
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fret
Verb
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China approved a new set of ethnicity laws that critics say risks further eroding the rights of minorities.—
Jeronimo Gonzalez,
semafor.com,
12 Mar. 2026
-
The union representing federal screeners argues that moving operations to private companies could erode job protections and reduce pay and benefits for workers already facing high turnover amid demanding conditions.—
Rio Yamat,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Police released an image captured from a surveillance video showing a person wearing dark clothes and a backpack, with their face covered.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Liu’s jacket—worn open over a white crewneck tee—featured a breast pocket bearing the house’s telltale LV monogram.—
Hannah Jackson,
Vogue,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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For the first time, there appears to be a commitment that Foxboro will incur no cost and will not have to worry about reimbursement processes.—
Adam Crafton,
New York Times,
12 Mar. 2026
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Don’t worry—there’s something for every type of traveler.—
Payton Turkeltaub,
Vogue,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
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This constant, unchanging, repetitive loading of a treadmill can irritate tissue and lead to knee issues, Holland says.—
Danielle Zickl,
Outside,
8 Mar. 2026
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To their sorrow, some people use its broad leaves as dunny paper — bad idea, as the leaves have fine hair that can irritate sensitive skin.—
Carl R. Gold,
Baltimore Sun,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Meanwhile, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung warned against hoarding, panic buying and collusion between refiners and gas stations.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
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Traders are shunning debt as oil extends its surge past $100, triggering broad panic in Asia over commodity import costs.—
Bloomberg News,
Bloomberg,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In Queens, check out the art at MoMA PS1 or spend an afternoon eating your way through Astoria or Flushing, known for standout Greek and Chinese cuisine, respectively.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Mar. 2026
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Many studies suggest that eating breakfast earlier may help regulate blood sugar.—
Merve Ceylan,
Health,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Replace your brush every three months, or sooner if the bristles fray.—
Cody Godwin,
USA Today,
8 Mar. 2026
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The fraying ties prompted Islamabad to return almost three million Afghan nationals in recent months, straining Kabul’s scant resources.—
semafor.com,
semafor.com,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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That only scratches the surface of Dolphins possibilities in free agency.—
David Furones,
Sun Sentinel,
8 Mar. 2026
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Plastic cutting boards should be replaced every one to two years, or sooner if they’re deeply scratched.—
Cody Godwin,
USA Today,
8 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fret.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fret. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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