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.

For decades, he had chafed against the 78’s constraints, occasionally recording two- or four-sided works and in concert letting pieces unfold over dozens of minutes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 16, 2026

When Spain and Portugal regulated their economies, Latin American merchants had chafed at restrictions, but these regulations had also heavily taxed foreign-made goods, which protected local handicraft industries.

From Textbooks • Dec. 14, 2022

Amid the bitter cold wind on the bow, a hydraulic line snaking up a second smaller crane had chafed and cracked, sucking in water.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 3, 2022

Maloni, who earlier in the year had chafed under COVID-related delays, replied that the company needed more time to digest new mitigation information.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 23, 2021

Back in the Planky Town Quentyn had played the wineseller, but the mummery had chafed at him, so when the Domishmen changed ships at Lys they had changed roles as well.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin