a situation of intense activity, typically one incorporating an element of aggression or competition, a fight, battle, or skirmish

a losing battle, a baptism of fire, a storm in a teacup

in the fray, rub somebody up the wrong way, throw down the gauntlet

Formal and Informal Expressions of fray

In different contexts, you can replace 'fray' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'conflict, competition' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'fight, scuffle' is a commonplace synonym.

fray: Explore its Definition & Usage

fray Definition

1a situation of intense activity, typically one incorporating an element of aggression or competition
2a fight, battle, or skirmish

Using fray: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "fray" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The two teams were in a fray to win the championship.
Example
The political fray became increasingly heated as the election approached.
Example
The soldiers were exhausted after the long fray.
Example
The boxer emerged victorious from the fray.

fray Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for fray

Antonyms for fray

Idioms Using fray

a losing battle
a situation in which it is impossible to succeed or make progress
Example
Trying to convince him to change his mind was a losing battle, so I gave up.
a baptism of fire
a difficult or challenging introduction to a new job or situation
Example
Her first week as a teacher was a real baptism of fire, with several disruptive students and a difficult lesson plan.
a storm in a teacup
a situation where people are very upset or angry about something that is not important
Example
The argument over the office temperature was just a storm in a teacup, and everyone soon forgot about it.

Phrases with fray

in the fray
actively involved in a difficult or competitive situation
Example
The new company quickly entered the fray and began to compete with established businesses.
rub somebody up the wrong way
irritate or annoy someone
Example
His constant criticism really rubbed me up the wrong way and I had to leave the room to avoid an argument.
throw down the gauntlet
challenge someone to a fight or contest
Example
The rival company threw down the gauntlet by announcing their new product launch on the same day as ours.

Origins of fray

from Old French 'freiier', meaning 'to rub'

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Summary: fray in Brief

The term 'fray' [frey] refers to intense activity, often with an element of aggression or competition. It can denote a fight or battle, as in 'The boxer emerged victorious from the fray,' or a competitive situation, as in 'The two teams were in a fray to win the championship.' 'Fray' extends into phrases like 'in the fray,' denoting active involvement, and idioms like 'a losing battle,' implying a futile effort.