as in discord
a lack of agreement or harmony
there was friction between the two sides of the family
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of friction
Continue rubbing until the friction lifts the residue from the fabric.
—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
2 July 2026
Although, if examined with a critic’s eye, real friction does exist in LeBron’s final act.
—
Candace Buckner,
New York Times,
2 July 2026
These are the unglamorous frictions that decide whether the idea ever becomes infrastructure.
—
New Atlas,
2 July 2026
By then, most of the friction that caused the dissatisfaction will be gone!
—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for friction
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
2 July 2026
Although, if examined with a critic’s eye, real friction does exist in LeBron’s final act.
—
Candace Buckner,
New York Times,
2 July 2026
These are the unglamorous frictions that decide whether the idea ever becomes infrastructure.
—
New Atlas,
2 July 2026
By then, most of the friction that caused the dissatisfaction will be gone!
—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for friction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for friction
Noun
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But the discord between the two leaders stretches far beyond disagreements over the conflict in the Middle East.
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Despite the discord, the regime is likely to have the final say.
Noun
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The earthquakes have compounded problems created by years of economic and political strife, particularly for the overwhelmed healthcare system.
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The program was created by Congress in 1990 to prevent deportations to countries suffering from natural disasters, civil strife and other instability.
Noun
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China has helped cushion the global oil shock, seen its clean energy tech exports surge and framed the war in Iran as another example in which Chinese leadership could supersede the US in ending global conflicts.
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The characters are all in a continual state of collision, their shifting conflicts inflamed by Coriolanus’ arrogantly uncompromising nature.
Noun
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Part of that discordance might be the fact that as a genre, rock has historically been difficult to define.
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The songs bounce from discordance and disorientation to harmoniousness and repose — even in the uneasy moments, the songs don't sink.
Noun
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Alnaji was part of a pro-Palestinian group protesting over the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and Kessler was demonstrating in support of Israel, authorities have said.
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The war period saw its own moments of threats to rights, such as suspending habeas corpus, the legal mechanism to prevent arbitrary detention.
Noun
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Hussein’s killing cemented the schism between Sunni and Shiite Islam and remains a powerful symbol of resistance against oppression and injustice.
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Hussein’s killing is seen as having cemented the schism between Sunnis and Shiites, which stems from the early days of Islam and arguments over Muhammad’s successors as caliph, or leader.
Noun
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China has showcased what may be one of its most innovative unmanned warfare concepts yet, according to reports.
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The attack comes amid an escalating pattern of long-range warfare between the two countries.
Noun
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These were moments of extraordinary dissent against the British government by American colonists.
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The 6-3 ruling included dissents from conservative-leaning Justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas and Amy Coney Barrett.
Cite this Entry
“Friction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/friction. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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