FRETLESS Synonyms: 113 Similar and Opposite Words

fret 1 of 2

verb

ˈfret

Definition of fret

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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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

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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 where some insiders fretted about the social blowback, Jenkins knew the flap was priceless marketing for the brand. — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 24 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for fret

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fret

Verb

But this harmony is eroding as Svalbard’s unique set-up collides with increasingly fractured international relations and countries’ quest for influence in the fast-warming Arctic.

— Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 10 July 2026
In aviation, profit per passenger is often measured in single-digit dollars, which means even a minor disruption can erode the profitability of a flight.

— Christiaan Hen, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of erode

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

Definition of wear

Verb

The shadow of the war will loom over the upcoming midterm elections in November – something Republicans have privately been worrying about for months amid growing voter discontent over the war.

— Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 9 July 2026
The idea has sparked debate, the sources said, with some officials worried that a pause would set back the department’s efforts to hire more police officers and replenish its dwindling ranks.

— Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

Definition of worry

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

Definition of irritate

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

Definition of eat

Verb

The band itself was fraying, with Stone recording much of the murky, druggy album in the attic of his Bel Air mansion.

— Al Shipley, SPIN, 7 July 2026
And considering how signing offer sheets can fray relations, there’s no guarantee Hayton would extend in Utah after all of this.

— Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 6 July 2026

Definition of fray

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

Definition of scratch

Cite this Entry

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“Fret.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fret. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of fret

verb

noun

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