1
as in battle
a forceful effort to reach a goal or objective
another generation of scientists entered the fray to find a cure for AIDS
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2
as in skirmish
a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups
a troubled youth always getting into frays at school
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in brawl
a rough and often noisy fight usually involving several people
school officials broke up the fray and gave all guilty parties detention
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as in to erode
to damage or diminish by continued friction
constant rubbing against the rock face has badly frayed our climbing rope
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of fray
Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 16 May 2025
But Trump jumped into the fray Friday morning, posting a social media message urging the rebels to drop their opposition for the sake of a party victory.
—Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 16 May 2025
Jennifer Berry Hawes, ProPublica, 19 May 2025
And with them, our grasp on reality is starting to fray.
—Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for fray
Noun
This year, Steffen, midfielder Oliver Larraz and coach Chris Armas joined the fray and have become mainstays.
—Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 16 May 2025
But Trump jumped into the fray Friday morning, posting a social media message urging the rebels to drop their opposition for the sake of a party victory.
—Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 16 May 2025
Verb
But at the first crack of daylight, his emotions fray when Janicke ventures outside to pick up branches and sticks.
—Jennifer Berry Hawes, ProPublica, 19 May 2025
And with them, our grasp on reality is starting to fray.
—Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for fray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fray
Noun
-
The two journalists paid tribute to the late MTV VJ, who died Wednesday following a prolonged battle with breast cancer, during a CNN segment on Thursday.—
Wesley Stenzel,
EW.com,
14 June 2025
-
Wysong’s opinion positions the city for a potential battle with the state, as the governor has also taken interest in the matter.—
Tess Riski,
Miami Herald,
13 June 2025
Noun
-
One skirmish involved the arrest of a union leader, David Huerta, president of the Service Employees International Union of California, who said he was injured and detained by ICE.—
Sudiksha Kochi,
USA Today,
9 June 2025
-
Alongside Israeli military drills, stalled diplomatic talks, and proxy skirmishes, these hostile warnings signal a dangerous escalation.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 June 2025
Noun
-
The hostilities began when Trump lashed out at Musk's criticism of the Republican tax-cut and spending bill, and quickly escalated into an all-out online brawl on Trump's Truth Social and Musk's X, with prominent businessmen, analysts and political names weighing in on the fight.—
Anniek Bao,Dylan Butts,Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
6 June 2025
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The overwhelming majority of Republicans stand behind President Donald Trump over Elon Musk, according to new polling, which comes as the public feud between the two billionaires erupted into an all-out brawl.—
Brendan Rascius,
Miami Herald,
6 June 2025
Verb
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The persistent issue of greenwashing, where investments are promoted as sustainable without verifiable environmental benefits, has eroded trust and slowed market development.—
Edoardo Francesco Sabatino,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
-
Maryland’s coastlines are eroding at an alarming rate.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
5 June 2025
Noun
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Spade's death on June 5, 2018, stunned the fashion world, highlighting the silent struggles behind one of the industry's biggest names and, along with the death of Anthony Bourdain three days later, sparked a broader conversation about mental health amidst fame and success.—
Taijuan Moorman,
USA Today,
5 June 2025
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Goldberg emphasized the struggle to balance his warrior mentality with his body's current limitations, especially during Muay Thai training.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 June 2025
Noun
-
Boys lacrosse In a wild Div. 4 round of 16 clash, host Littleton received a goal from Zach Milner with five seconds remaining to list the Tigers to a thrilling 13-12 victory over host Lynnfield.—
Brian Roach,
Boston Herald,
6 June 2025
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This clash has had tangible repercussions: Tesla’s stock experienced a significant drop, erasing over $150 billion in market value, while Trump Media saw a decline of approximately $500 million.—
Brent Gleeson,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
Verb
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Henson wore a look courtesy of Siriano’s fall 2025 ready-to-wear collection, which made its runway debut during New York Fashion Week in February 2025.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
4 June 2025
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Other supporters wore white and packed the stands of the high school gymnasium Tuesday night, when the volleyball team dedicated a match to their missing teammate.—
Holly Ramer,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2025
Noun
-
The Panthers are ready for a fight in this series, always, wherever.—
Greg Cote,
Miami Herald,
15 June 2025
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Another case is Egypt and Ethiopia, and their fight over a massive dam that is having an effect on the magnificent Nile River.—
Peter Aitken,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fray. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
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