1
as in to erode
to consume or wear away gradually
over the span of thousands of years, the annual spring runoff fretted the rock, forming a deep channel
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to wear
to damage or diminish by continued friction
don't let the girth fret the horse's belly or you won't be able to ride him
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to worry
to experience concern or anxiety
don't fret over whether it will be sunny tomorrow, as there's nothing we can do about it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in panic
a state of nervous or irritated concern
one of my customers always gets into a fret if I'm so much as 15 minutes late delivering his newspaper
Synonyms & Similar Words
Examples of fret in a Sentence
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of
Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback
about these examples.
Recent Examples on the Web
Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 26 Oct. 2024
When is National Employee's Day? Employee, don't fret.
—Zach Bradshaw, The Arizona Republic, 16 Oct. 2024
If decorating for fall is still on your agenda, don’t fret.
—Ali Faccenda, People.com, 6 Oct. 2024
Let future generations of office holders fret about the annual $900-million hits on the state budget.
—George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for fret 
Verb
There are hundreds of options on the market, so finding your favorite can take some trial and error, but don't fret, because our editors did the testing for you.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for fret
Verb
-
When the Great Depression hit in the early 1930s, Hitler and his followers were ready to take advantage of the German people’s despair and to focus their attention on a scapegoat—the political left and the Jews—as support for centrist political parties eroded.Christine Adams / Made by History, TIME, 5 Nov. 2024
-
Disruptions, whether due to shipping delays, supplier issues, or unforeseen events, can quickly erode brand trust and customer loyalty.Gary Drenik, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
-
The examples don’t end there, and over the years have included cigars on the Chanel resort 2017 runway in Havana, Cuba; Kate Moss closing Louis Vuitton’s fall 2011 show holding a cigarette while wearing black gloves, and Lady Gaga walking in the Mugler fall 2011 show sucking on a cigarette.Hikmat Mohammed, WWD, 5 Nov. 2024
-
The second hashtag also referenced the former President calling out Barack Obama for wearing a tan suit in 2014 and Harris doing the same at the Democratic National Convention in August.Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
-
Immigration attorneys worry about new restrictions that affect international students should Trump become president, not the implementation of expansive policies.Stuart Anderson, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
-
Just slip a potted houseplant — still in its original plastic container — into the pot; remove the plant from the Bauer pot easily for watering without worrying about leaks.Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024
Verb
-
So, strong actives like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and tea tree oil are likely too harsh and can irritate the bump even more.Jenna Ryu, SELF, 1 Nov. 2024
-
Use mild products: Avoid skin products that can irritate, such as toners, astringents, and exfoliants.Mark Gurarie, Health, 28 Oct. 2024
Noun
-
But as the gruesome murders continue, Sheriff Weaver (Mulroney) struggles to catch the killer, and the town spirals into panic.Marc Malkin, Variety, 1 Nov. 2024
-
Are we focused on the panic of unmet targets or the possibilities that still lie ahead?Laurie Arron, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024
Verb
-
Eating it: Some folks spoon directly into their mouths.Ann Maloney, NOLA.com, 19 July 2017
-
New this year to True Nature is a retreat for those with eating disorders and their family members.Plain Dealer guest writer, cleveland.com, 19 July 2017
Verb
-
Son, a naïve twenty-something who has never seen the outside world, is fascinated by the newcomer, and suddenly, the delicate bonds of blind optimism that have held this wealthy clan together begin to fray.Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 4 Nov. 2024
-
That lifeline is now fraying on a misguided attempt to assign national security risks to a deal that has none.David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
-
In 2019, hundreds of witches’ marks were found scratched into the walls of an English cave system in the East Midlands, central England.Lianne Kolirin, CNN, 29 Oct. 2024
-
Gently clean the area to avoid scratching either material.Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Oct. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near fret
Cite this Entry
“Fret.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fret. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share