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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.

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

Initial public euphoria over Pakistan's image being burnished on the global stage has begun to give way to fraying patience after weeks of stop-start restrictions around Islamabad.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

The shape of our politics is in flux, and any traditional expectations of stability fraying.

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2026

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

From "Shooting Kabul" by N. H. Senzai