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
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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
Colette Davidson, Christian Science Monitor, 9 Apr. 2025
But among the fray of the Panthers’ spending spree that landed the likes of Tre’von Moehrig, Tershawn Wharton and Rico Dowdle, Patrick Jones got a bit lost in the shuffle of the movement during the first wave of NFL free agency.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 3 Apr. 2025
Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025
The real concern here is whether the relationship between the Davies camp and the national team could be frayed, following Huoseh’s comments on Canada’s handling of his injury situation.
—Sebastian Stafford-Bloor and More, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fray
Noun
But while the transatlantic relationship frays, the European continent has found a new potential leader on military matters: the United Kingdom.
—Colette Davidson, Christian Science Monitor, 9 Apr. 2025
But among the fray of the Panthers’ spending spree that landed the likes of Tre’von Moehrig, Tershawn Wharton and Rico Dowdle, Patrick Jones got a bit lost in the shuffle of the movement during the first wave of NFL free agency.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
The fascia is peeling off, roof shingles are fraying, the stairs should be replaced and the electrical system needs an upgrade.
—Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025
The real concern here is whether the relationship between the Davies camp and the national team could be frayed, following Huoseh’s comments on Canada’s handling of his injury situation.
—Sebastian Stafford-Bloor and More, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fray
Noun
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Lorna Romero Ferguson, a Republican political strategist based in Arizona, told the Washington Examiner that both parties are still going to have to battle over redistricting efforts and keep extremist candidates from the ballot box to stay competitive after the 2030 census.—
Mabinty Quarshie,
The Washington Examiner,
26 Apr. 2025
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Barner had a good rookie season and the battle between him and Arroyo will be interesting to watch.—
Michael-Shawn Dugar,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The Holy Roman Empire army did eventually move on from the camp, engaging in several skirmishes with the Swedish army stationed nearby.—
Brendan Rascius,
Miami Herald,
18 Apr. 2025
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Today’s group readies to replay the opening battle skirmish, practicing to get their roles down for the upcoming anniversary celebration.—
Melanie Stetson Freeman,
Christian Science Monitor,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Same for a trip to a country bar, where Chris picks up the dance moves insanely quickly and Brax starts a window-crashing brawl.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
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Behind them, the brawl for the final two play-off places — to join one of the three aforementioned teams and Sunderland — continued to be played out between Middlesbrough, Coventry City, West Bromwich Albion and Bristol City.—
Gregg Evans,
New York Times,
22 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The next mayor must understand that car supremacy cuts into public space, threatens public safety, and erodes the public’s quality of life — just ask the families of 121 pedestrians who were crushed to death by motor vehicles last year, mostly while trying to get from one curb to another.—
Justin Davidson,
Curbed,
18 Apr. 2025
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Rising sea levels not only push back its shorelines, but the encroaching salt water also erodes the country’s limited farmland.—
Kathleen Magramo,
CNN Money,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Young’s struggles against the Heat continued early in Friday’s contest, scoring 14 points while shooting just 3 of 14 from the field and 1 of 5 on threes through the first three quarters.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
19 Apr. 2025
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Keith and Mark Newhouse of Newhouse Creative Group understand these struggles firsthand.—
Chris Gallagher,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
Noun
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This square can spark clashes between the need for stability (Taurus) and the desire for bold self-expression (Leo).—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
19 Apr. 2025
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With nearly 8 million Venezuelans displaced—the second-largest migration globally and the largest ever within South America—the film captures rising tensions, cultural clashes, and radicalization in Chile’s border communities.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
17 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Throughout the case, Cruz appeared in court wearing protective restraint mittens handcuffed in place.—
Michael Ruiz,
FOXNews.com,
17 Apr. 2025
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The sweet interaction was posted to TikTok, where a surprised Ballerini could be seen promising to wear the boots to perform the show's final song.—
Michelle Lee,
People.com,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
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For those who don’t regularly use the MTA, this perception is amplified by media coverage of fights, stabbings, and other acts of violence circulating on social media.—
David Garten,
New York Daily News,
28 Apr. 2025
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The health care fight — over a discount drug program — will play out in the House’s Health and Human Services Committee on Monday.—
Seth Klamann,
Denver Post,
28 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fray. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
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