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
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Recent Examples of chafe
David Sims, The Atlantic, 9 Dec. 2025
The elder Buckley was never a part of his son’s life and Jeff Buckley chafed at any comparisons between them.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 5 Dec. 2025
Caitlyn Martyn
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 10 June 2025
Ellie, for her part, chafes at his desire to shelter her even as her immunity, and increasing handiness with a gun, gives her an adolescent sense of invincibility.
—Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chafe
Verb
What follows is an absurd reckoning that mixes surreal humor and domestic drama as Shula chafes against her relatives’ hysterical funeral planning.
—Noun
Thoughtfully designed to include zip pockets to keep your personal items safe and flat seams to reduce chafe, the shorts are well-made.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for chafe
Verb
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These changes to the fabric’s texture can also irritate delicate skin.—
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To ensure the materials were safe for biological use, the friction layers was tested on a rabbit’s eye, where the device maintained its charge without irritating.—
Verb
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Meyer, meanwhile, wore a white graphic tee with black mini shorts and a Thom Browne top coat, W reported.—
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He was last seen wearing a red and black plaid shirt, dark jeans and brown steel-toe boots, police said.—
Verb
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She’d been awakened by their puppy, and had been annoyed at Ryan, who hadn’t gotten up early with the dog like he was supposed to.—
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Kelce was evaluated for a concussion in the locker room, and he was annoyed at having to answer the questions that are part of the test.—
Noun
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Regardless of our paths — whether that meant escaping war in Ethiopia or being the grandchildren of Holocaust survivors — many of us labor under the belief that this work requires us to commit to the ideals of this nation and not the indignation and nightmare of the insurrection.—
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How else to account for the ferocity of the public indignation?—
Noun
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Less abrasion on the surface helps denim maintain its color.—
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Starting guard Reese Dixon-Waters was a full practice participant two days after missing the 77-45 victory against Long Beach State with a corneal abrasion in his eye that necessitated a trip to the emergency room followed by appointments with ophthalmologists.—
Verb
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If large stuck-on food chunks remain, carefully scrape them off with a razor blade, being mindful not to scratch the stovetop.—
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Bright and spellbinding, glittering and dangerous, London Falling scratches every itch while unwinding this morbid mystery.—
Verb
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Cultural, linguistic, and value-based assimilation challenges arise, potentially altering national identities and eroding civilizational confidence.—
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And policies that erode IP rights will ultimately slow the pace of innovation — and the prosperity that comes with it.—
Verb
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Take a seat on an icy throne—the cold never bothered you anyway.—
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Don’t bother wasting your money—using it more than once a day won’t yield ‘better’ or faster results.—
Cite this Entry
“Chafe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chafe. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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