FRICTIONS Synonyms: 71 Similar and Opposite Words

frictions

noun

plural of friction

as in discords

a lack of agreement or harmony there was friction between the two sides of the family

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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 frictions Certain frictions or frustrations became apparent during the reunion as some of those women tried to make their voices heard in the din of lively conversation. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026 Only there can tingly frictions and glints of revelation emerge. — E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026 For more on the frictions in the international car market, check out CNBC’s Sam Meredith’s story here. — Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026 Roosevelt’s patrician upbringing, as well as ties to her husband’s career, led to certain frictions between the two, with Murray consistently urging the First Lady to act on behalf of Black Americans and other oppressed peoples. — Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026 Wafula said the role of pastoral ministers is especially important in the modern world, where political frictions often threaten peace in the community. — ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026 But these domestic frictions are — largely, but not merely — a means to an end so far as Wollner is concerned, as her film leverages them to focus on a series of increasingly abstract phenomena. — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2026 For larger international retailers, fragmented purchase chains can sometimes lead to buyers experiencing these frictions. — Karen Koehler, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2026 But despite intense trade and geopolitical frictions, global supply chains have proved more resilient—and more deeply intertwined—than most observers anticipated. — Da Wei, Foreign Affairs, 7 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for frictions

Noun

This proves that God’s kingdom is what is truly present, even where earthly discords seem to be.

— Tony Lobl, Christian Science Monitor, 26 May 2026
Your dedicated Slack channels, private discords and endless Reddit threads.

— April Uchitel, Flow Space, 6 Aug. 2025

Definition of discords

Noun

Although the strategic consequences of their actions may ultimately benefit Iran in its own regional and international conflicts, the Houthis see their military campaign against Saudi Arabia chiefly as an act of national defense.

— Laurent Bonnefoy, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026
Many of those executed were arrested in Derna and Benghazi cities during or after conflicts between the LNA and opposing armed groups between 2014 and 2018, according to the Wednesday report.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of conflicts

Noun

This is Kubrick’s modus operandi throughout the film, setting up scenes where furniture moves from shot to shot, wall decorations change, and there are further schisms between Ullman’s exposition and the reality that transpires.

— Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026
But schisms and heel digging are probably inevitable in such uncertain fields, Catling says.

— Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of schisms

Noun

Erik Prince and his private security teams were contracted by the US government during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, most remembered for Blackwater employees opening fire in Baghdad’s Nusoor Square, killing 17 Iraqi civilians.

— Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
The march against wars and rising living costs began peacefully.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of wars

Noun

Hutheesing also argued that teaching human skills has implications beyond the workforce, pointing to growing political and social divisions, including disagreements between parents and teachers.

— Brandon Smith, Arkansas Online, 14 Oct. 2026
The center has been created to link consumer fragrance, fine fragrance and oral care expertise, while integrating capabilities from the group’s care and wellness, and taste, nutrition and health divisions.

— Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of divisions

Noun

Earlier this week, a Times report revealed Zhang had previously been charged with child abuse for leaving her oldest daughter in a hot car for hours, while Xuan was accused in a civil lawsuit of using violence in landlord-tenant disputes.

— James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
That provision could reignite disputes over whether Washington should establish a national standard or preserve stronger state protections.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of disputes

Noun

In a decision with no noted dissents, the court emphasized that Hoskins was aware that the map would not take effect unless voters approved it in the referendum vote.

— Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026
With no dissents, the justices upheld a state court order requiring the use of a 2022 election map, which favors Republicans in six of the eight districts.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of dissents

Noun

However, more than a year later, clashes continue in eastern Congo, and experts say negotiations will become even more complicated with Kabila in a leadership position.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Oct. 2026
Main roads leading Yemen’s third-largest city have been closed amid rebel attacks, with regular clashes on the outskirts and overnight bombardment.

— Samy Magdy, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of clashes

Browse Nearby Words

frictionless

frictions

fried

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

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Synonyms of frictions

noun

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