fret
16 synonyms for fret, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To worry or feel anxious about something.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To worry or feel anxious about something.
“She fretted over the exam results for days.”
How to use fret
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
fret about
fret over
don't fret
Etymology
From Old English fretan, "to eat away" or "consume" — the sense of "worry" grew from the idea of something gnawing at you.
Full origin of fret →Frequently asked questions
What does “fret” mean?
The word “fret” means to worry or feel anxious about something. In plain terms, to be anxious or worried, or, as a noun, one of the metal ridges on a guitar neck.
How do you pronounce “fret”?
“Fret” is pronounced freht (/fɹɛt/ in IPA).
How do you use “fret” in a sentence?
Here is “fret” used in a sentence: “She fretted over the exam results for days.”
What part of speech is “fret”?
Depending on how it is used, “fret” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “fret” come from?
The word “fret” comes from Old English. From Old English fretan, "to eat away" or "consume" — the sense of "worry" grew from the idea of something gnawing at you.
Is “fret” a common word?
“Fret” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “fret” have?
“Fret” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to worry or feel anxious about something.
