1
2
as in to wear
to damage or diminish by continued friction
constant stepping on a rope will gradually chafe it, rendering it unsafe for rock climbing
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to annoy
to disturb the peace of mind of (someone) especially by repeated disagreeable acts
nothing chafes us so much as those telemarketers who call during the dinner hour
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in indignation
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
2
as in abrasion
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of chafe
Max Tani, semafor.com, 6 Apr. 2026
Others chafed at pre-empting local rules.
—Mark Dee
march 28, Idaho Statesman, 28 Mar. 2026
Tim Grierson, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025
The soft details include a tagless design and chafe-free stitching, and the crew neck retains its shape well.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chafe
Verb
Some have also chafed at the increasing symbiosis between the paper and WBFF.
—Max Tani, semafor.com, 6 Apr. 2026
Others chafed at pre-empting local rules.
—Mark Dee
march 28, Idaho Statesman, 28 Mar. 2026
Noun
Zwick is such a conventional filmmaker that DiCaprio chafes trying to break out of the Reluctant Hero straitjacket Zwick puts him in.
—Tim Grierson, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025
The soft details include a tagless design and chafe-free stitching, and the crew neck retains its shape well.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chafe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chafe
Verb
-
Joining Stuart’s quest are his girlfriend, Denise (Lapkus); geologist buddy Bert (Posehn); and irritating quantum physicist Barry Kripke (Bowie).—
Ryan Gajewski,
HollywoodReporter,
26 Apr. 2026
-
The Be Gentle, Be Kind Detangling Spray is no different and is free from fragrance and essential oils, two common ingredients that can irritate sensitive skin.—
Sarah Felbin,
Allure,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Messick, who grew up dreaming of wearing a Rays uniform, continues to be a nightmare for his hometown team.—
Marc Topkin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Melania wore a double-breasted crepe suit from American designer Adam Lippes, who also designed her navy-and-ivory ensemble for the president's second inauguration ceremony last year.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
As a matter of fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if the president doesn’t get annoyed with him once or twice.—
NBC news,
NBC news,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Maybe annoyed enough to fix it.—
Nathan Edwards,
The Verge,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Rhys, long an expert at instilling indignation with soulful sentiment, gets pushed further here.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Racing’s indignation over that, as well as that of anger in the general public, prompted the formation by Congress of a bill that would ban the slaughter of horses in the United States.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
According to the team, this wasn’t post-mortem damage from tumbling in the current, as the geological context of the find indicated transport abrasion was unlikely.—
Jacek Krywko,
ArsTechnica,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Garments spanning nylon half-zips to French Terry sweatshirts, garments look faded and worn-in and feature hallmarks of denim like whiskers, creases, abrasions and breakages that tell stories of time and use.—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Twice in the last three years, and also in 2011, Repole brought a promising horse to the Derby and had to scratch him before post time.—
Jay Posner,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Unlike nylon brushes, silicone ones carry no risk of scratching or removing paint from your bottle.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
In the process, however, one of the big distinguishing aspects of TV – the large audiences who once assembled to watch dramas, sitcoms and reality shows – has eroded.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
30 Apr. 2026
-
The Florida Mobile Home Act offers little real protection against excessive rent hikes or misleading practices that erode homeowners’ equity and quality of life.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
With Minnesota viewing them as soft, the Nuggets hardly seem bothered by the criticism.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Fuqua and Logan can’t be bothered to figure it out.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Chafe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chafe. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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