1
2
as in eroded
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 annoyed
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
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of chafed
The state’s changes to the rates chafed some local districts’ officials, including fire districts that fretted about affording equipment and firefighters as risks from wildfires loomed large year-round.
—
Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 6 Jan. 2026
Her choice of words often chafed Party leaders.
—Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2026
Raised by conservative Catholic parents, Bardot chafed against her upbringing.
—Corky Siemaszko, NBC news, 28 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
Mamdani and other Democrats who won a bevy of elections this month had focused relentlessly on affordability — a word that Trump has chafed at, while insisting that prices are broadly down already.
—Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 21 Nov. 2025
Another point in the plan says Russia will not invade neighboring countries and NATO will not expand any further — a favorable point for Russia, which has long chafed at the alliance's post-Cold War expansions.
—Justine Redman, CBS News, 21 Nov. 2025
Latin Americans have, by and large, chafed at such naked displays of Washington’s power.
—Alan McPherson, The Conversation, 2 Nov. 2025
Fake blood in color films Prop makers striving for realism and nuance chafed under the restrictions of early film technology.
—Mark Hay, Popular Science, 9 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chafed
Verb
-
The song, which reclaims a derogatory term for Venezuelan female migrants, was interpreted as defiant and irritated the Venezuelan president, then facing widespread reports of electoral fraud.—
-
Other signs your skin is being irritated by a beauty product include redness or flaking.—
Verb
-
But police-reform advocates say the momentum for change after Floyd’s death has stalled — and in some cases reversed — as transparency by law-enforcement agencies across the Bay Area and the nation has steadily eroded.—
-
Consumers have remained reluctant to spend amid an uncertain employment outlook and a prolonged property crisis that has eroded household wealth.—
Verb
-
Luis is frankly annoyed by this type of music.—
-
Vulnerability is currency on reality television, and after a season of exposing their own struggles and embarrassments, the other women are annoyed that Meredith wants to keep up appearances.—
Verb
-
Two bills returned into Rafiq’s hand upon his pointing out that the wood panelling on the side of the radio was scratched and that the knob felt rather flimsy.—
-
Her feet were red and bruised, her face and neck were scratched and bruises that appeared to be finger imprints were visible on her neck, the affidavit says.—
Verb
-
For the Los Angeles premiere of Marty Supreme, the two wore custom Chrome Hearts looks.—
-
Emma Stone wore comfy, but sophisticated silk pants to a Louis Vuitton event in New York.—
Verb
-
Hollywood CEOs aren’t getting hot and bothered about using AI to completely replace real-life movie stars; the guilds wouldn’t allow it, and audiences wouldn’t want it.—
-
Burrow, who spoke with media after the Bengals lost 18-20 to the Cleveland Browns, seemed bothered by his 'do from the start, sitting down at the mic and instantly raking his lengthy bangs back with his hands.—
Verb
-
In the fallout, the close relationship between Perez and Albritton frayed.—
-
The pants feature slightly frayed, cuffed hems with an inseam that’s suitable for shorter frames, plus they’re made from stretchy denim for all-day comfort.—
Verb
-
Banks has bugged Kerkering to clean his locker, to no avail.—
-
Power gains are bugged to be too low for a new power grind that no one wants to do anyway.—
Cite this Entry
“Chafed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chafed. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share