fret 1 of 2

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4
as in to irritate
to make sore by continued rubbing the stiff, starchy collar was fretting my neck, and I couldn't wait to change out of that costume

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fret

2 of 2

noun

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 fret
Verb
But lawmakers have taken steps to shore up reserves, as forecasters warn of a busier than usual hurricane season and as economists fret over Trump’s trade wars and a sweeping proposal to cut federal taxes and spending. Kate Payne, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 June 2025 For gold is neither exposed to counterparty risk nor to international sanctions some central banks (e.g. Russia) ought to fret over. Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025 One key reason was that the conflict seems to have been resolved relatively quickly, leaving less time for traders to fret about future attacks. Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 24 June 2025 The stablecoin bill also comes at a time when Wall Street has started to fret about foreign investors and governments turning away from U.S. assets. Jesse Pound, CNBC, 21 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for fret
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fret
Verb
  • Now, this fundamental principle is at risk of being eroded.
    Philippa Pham Hughes, Time, 11 July 2025
  • Deals like these, which require OpenAI to sell stakes in the company, erode the nonprofit’s control of the business.
    Orson Aguilar, Mercury News, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • The deceased woman was also wearing a black necklace with a cross that family said belonged to DiNapoli, according to court documents.
    Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 11 July 2025
  • The bride wore a guipure high-neck lace gown embellished with crystals and complete with a nine-foot-long train.
    Sarah Title, People.com, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Though Harry assured Charlotte that everything is going to be OK, Charlotte can’t help but worry.
    Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 7 July 2025
  • On account of its relative remoteness--sat between Scotland 200 miles to the south and Iceland 400 miles to the north--the Faroe Islands hasn’t had to worry about over-tourism too much.
    Brad Japhe, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • According to Valliere, people and pets should avoid coming in contact with several invasive plants in California, including: Certain grasses, which produce long awns and seeds that can irritate skin, get stuck in pets’ fur, and cause discomfort for both animals and humans.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2025
  • Things escalated further as fans began requesting photos and videos, reportedly irritating the R&B star.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Although the frustration of supporters is shared internally, there is no sense of panic — which is unlikely to pacify fans understandably impatient for additions following three successive windows without a first-XI signing.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 3 July 2025
  • That panic is causing bare shelves in grocery stores such as Publix, where media relations manager Nicole Maristany Krauss said the store is working with suppliers to stock shelves while providing value.
    Mackensy Lunsford, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Verb
  • This spot for soccer fans offers lots of pub fare to eat and drink.
    Liz Rothaus Bertrand, Charlotte Observer, 24 Mar. 2025
  • The calls came while eating lunch, while lying in bed at night.
    Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • In addition, relations with allies are frayed at worst, strained at least.
    Ken Roberts, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Mile after mile of the region’s precious tree canopy was badly frayed or destroyed.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Independence Day While the rest of the films on this list surely make sense, some might be scratching their heads on why a sci-fi film is considered to be one of the greatest Fourth of July films ever made.
    James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025
  • He was scratched from a game in early May after experiencing soreness on his left side but started three days later.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 4 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fret.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fret. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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