FRETTING Synonyms: 162 Similar and Opposite Words

fretting 1 of 2

adjective

as in fretful

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fretting

2 of 2

verb

present participle of fret

as in eroding

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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as in wearing

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 worrying

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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as in irritating

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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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 fretting

Verb

And just a few years ago folks were fretting over the demise of democracy and the future of the republic. — Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026 The oil, gas and coal industries had spent years casting doubt on climate change while quietly fretting that policies to address it would one day put them out of business. — Katie Worth, ProPublica, 30 Oct. 2026 As a result, Healey’s budget is expected to be relatively low-key, especially at a time when bond markets are fretting over debt levels around the world. — ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026 As critics have noted, though both Soares and Yudkowsky have spent much time fretting about an AI apocalypse, there’s no consensus that such a future is even possible — let alone probable. — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 28 Oct. 2026 Ratings agencies and investors are fretting about leverage as the combined company enters a shifting media landscape with $80 billion in debt after one of the biggest leveraged buyouts in corporate history. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2026 Billy Joel doesn’t want anyone fretting too much over his health. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2026 Szabo’s photos, by contrast, are remarkably free of fretting or judgment. — Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2026 Room for Disagreement Left-wing Democrats are still fretting that party leaders won’t give voters concrete, populist policies. — David Weigel, semafor.com, 2 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fretting

Adjective

The game, like most finals, was a fretful affair, played under a brain-altering gaze.

— Sam Knight, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
The fretful electronic score is by Flying Lotus, Elliot Leung and Olivia Xiaolin.

— Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026

Definition of fretful

Verb

With first-party fraud and friendly disputes eroding already thin retail margins, managing chargebacks requires far more than basic operational recovery.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2026
Humboldt County officials have long debated what to do about Centerville Road, a narrow, twisting byway that leads to an eroding rural beach and a handful of homes.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of eroding

Verb

Speaking from experience, the right footwear can transform an uncomfortable ensemble into something actually functional, warm, and totally worth wearing.

— Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2026
Moore, who stood 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighed 140 pounds, was last seen on security camera footage inside the Aisle 1 store, wearing a long-sleeve green polo shirt and black shorts.

— Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of wearing

Verb

The activists who once demanded radical change begin worrying about their children’s safety, their schools, and whether the neighborhood is a decent place to grow up.

— Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 28 Oct. 2026
Public support for Israel in the United States has plummeted, worrying many Israeli voters.

— Daniel Estrin, NPR, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of worrying

Verb

Notably, the landfill operator’s air quality monitors had repeatedly reported high levels of lung-irritating hydrogen sulfide in 2023 and 2024.

— Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026
The ingredient releases gradually overnight to restore elasticity, even out the skin tone, and minimize the appearance of wrinkles without irritating the skin.

— Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of irritating

Verb

Because many nutrients are in the peel, eating them with the peel on can offer several health benefits, including better digestion, weight management, and overall health support.

— Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 29 Oct. 2026
Adding a high-protein side like Greek yogurt, eggs, or a protein shake provides even more benefit by slowing digestion, so your energy doesn’t crash an hour after eating.

— Caitlin Beale, HEALTH, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of eating

Verb

The murder of two Israeli soldiers in the West Bank is the jumping-off point for a large-scale invasion of the Palestinian territory, a move that would further test the nation’s fraying relationship with the United States.

— Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 24 Oct. 2026
During the Lin regime, one source told us that relationships with filmmakers were fraying.

— Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 19 Oct. 2026