Thesaurus results for FRAYING

fraying

verb

Definition of fraying

present participle of fray

as in eroding

to damage or diminish by continued friction constant rubbing against the rock face has badly frayed our climbing rope

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 fraying Can President Trump hold his fraying coalition together, or will these red flags lead to a blue wave? — Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026 By the late 1960s, confidence in technological progress was fraying. — Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026 At a time when the social safety net is fraying and affordability is a midterm-election mantra, churches are stepping into the void. — John Blake, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026 Hegseth’s fraying ties on the Hill put him on course for a bigger headache after the election, according to interviews with a half-dozen senators as well as multiple administration officials. — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 28 Sep. 2026 The companies on this year's list are tackling problems that range from rising energy demand to fraying supply chains. — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026 Its tale of a Zainichi assassin (an ethnic Korean in Japan), as well as fraying political tensions between the North and South, take its characters far and wide, in a follow-the-money treasure hunt dangerously close to the halls of power. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026 Social cohesion is fraying, and crime is rising, while plunging birth rates and emigration warp Cuba’s demographics. — Will Freeman, Foreign Affairs, 17 Sep. 2026 Despite fraying relations with FIFA, the vibe once the sport began was largely good. — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fraying

Verb

Set aside sufficient cash The best way to avoid eroding your savings during a big sell-off is to have enough cash in reserves to manage your expenses, and required withdrawals, for a six to 12-month period.

— Darla Mercado, CFP®, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026
Both Warren and Waters have also repeatedly raised concerns over affordability, including housing issues, and accused the administration of eroding consumer finance protections.

— Reuters, NBC news, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of eroding

Verb

Jackson had not been reported missing The man had been wearing a button-down short-sleeve shirt, light blue jeans, a silver wristwatch and blue-and-white tennis shoes.

— CBS News, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
Temperatures are not conducive to actors wearing wool coats and scarves, and the snow on the ground is going to be added in post.

— Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of wearing

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frays

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“Fraying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fraying. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of fraying

verb

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