as in discord
a lack of agreement or harmony
there was friction between the two sides of the family
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 friction
The treatment increases pavement friction, particularly when wet weather makes roadways slick, and helps to protect concrete surfaces.
—
Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 11 July 2025
But both sides signaled that the meeting between Wang and Rubio was a productive one with a positive tone – and a step toward expanding cooperation, rather than frictions, between them.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 11 July 2025
Even within Trump's team, the episode revealed rare internal friction over how far enforcement should go.
—Amanda Castro
billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
At higher temperature ranges, the dust between the pad and the disc creates friction.
—Kristin Shaw, ArsTechnica, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for friction
Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 11 July 2025
But both sides signaled that the meeting between Wang and Rubio was a productive one with a positive tone – and a step toward expanding cooperation, rather than frictions, between them.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 11 July 2025
Even within Trump's team, the episode revealed rare internal friction over how far enforcement should go.
—Amanda Castro
billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
At higher temperature ranges, the dust between the pad and the disc creates friction.
—Kristin Shaw, ArsTechnica, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for friction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for friction
Noun
-
The key is discerning between those who are willing to grow and those who choose to sow discord.—
Jennifer C. Wolfe,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
-
The remarks were filled with provocations and intended to sow discord.—
John Feng,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 June 2025
Noun
-
The song has also regained popularity during times of national strife or tragedy, including during the Gulf War and in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.—
Ashley Hume , Larry Fink,
FOXNews.com,
4 July 2025
-
The astronauts, when first leaving earth, looked back on their home planet from outer space and saw, in the darkness, a beautiful and vulnerable globe, so small and blue and fragile, undivided by borders or political strife.—
Laurie Sheck
July 2,
Literary Hub,
2 July 2025
Noun
-
There have been conflicts between rideshare drivers and taxis in the past, so consider sticking with a reputable taxi or car service, However, the more adventurous can rent a car to explore nearby cenotes, ruins, and regional highlights.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
12 July 2025
-
The deportations – part of a program Iran announced in March – have radically increased in pace since the 12-day conflict with Israel, fueled by unsubstantiated claims that Afghans had spied for Israel prior to and during the attacks.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
Many of the tunes including sprawling intros and jam sessions, all melded together with discordance, reverb and instrumental solos.—
Audrey Gibbs,
The Tennessean,
2 July 2025
-
Luckily, director Kate Dumoulin helps smooth over much of the discordance.—
Matthew J. Palm,
The Orlando Sentinel,
3 June 2025
Noun
-
Throughout history, technological advantages have altered the course of wars, sometimes suddenly.—
Dexter Filkins,
New Yorker,
14 July 2025
-
The president said on Monday that the U.S. will impose 100% tariffs on countries that engage in trade with Russia if there is no peace deal to end the war in Ukraine within 50 days.—
Alain Sherter,
CBS News,
14 July 2025
Noun
-
Enter: a major schism in the relationship, just at the moment that both mother and daughter should be cherishing every moment together.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
10 June 2025
-
The decision to visit all three leading Arab Gulf powers and not just Saudi Arabia seems designed to prevent a schism.—
Marc Lynch,
Foreign Affairs,
12 May 2025
Noun
-
It is crewed by more than 30 people, including electronic warfare officers and intelligence operators, according to the Air Force.—
Ellie Cook
John Feng,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 July 2025
-
In World War II, amphibious aircraft were used for reconnaissance, search and rescue operations, and anti-submarine warfare.—
Daniel Cote,
Robb Report,
9 July 2025
Noun
-
The three liberal justices opposed the order, with Justice Sonia Sotomayor writing in dissent.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 July 2025
-
With the three liberal justices in dissent, the court on Monday paused an order from U.S. District Judge Myong Joun in Boston, who issued a preliminary injunction reversing the layoffs and calling into question the broader plan.—
Mark Sherman,
Chicago Tribune,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Friction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/friction. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share