fraying

VERB

shred, come apart

Synonyms

STRONGEST

erode frazzle unravel wear away

STRONG

chafe fret ravel rip rub tatter tear wear

WEAK

become ragged become threadbare wear thin

Antonyms

STRONG

please sew

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Canada had hoped to become a global EV production powerhouse, inking massive government-backed deals with leading automakers like Honda and Germany's Volkswagen -- but those ambitions are fraying.

From Barron's • May 14, 2026

Fox’s fear of losing games created a highly unusual situation where Murdoch was seeking to stir up trouble for a partner it pays billions, fraying a relationship that has lasted for decades.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

King Charles III will begin a four-day diplomatic visit to Washington to mend the fraying U.S.-U.K. relationship.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026

Perhaps the biggest challenge though is maintaining the fraying ceasefire itself.

From BBC • Jan. 17, 2026

Fadi froze, watching Habib’s fingers tighten around his fraying leather briefcase.

From "Shooting Kabul" by N. H. Senzai