frazzled

adjective

fraz·​zled ˈfra-zəld How to pronounce frazzled (audio)
Synonyms of frazzlednext
1
: in a state of extreme physical or nervous fatigue and agitation
So relentlessly did my partner and I spring into our work throughout the week that by Saturday night we were frazzled wrecks.— Jack London
A frazzled looking housefrau [=hausfrau], clutching a toilet scrub brush in one hand and the fist of a wailing toddler in the other, confronted me with a look of pure exasperation.— Paul Di Filippo
She seems relaxed, breathing evenly; there's nothing here to get her frazzled.— Bob Ottum
2
: damaged or weakened by strain or agitation : frayed
trying to soothe frazzled nerves

Examples of frazzled in a Sentence

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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.
Even Eddie Howe’s decision to play three at the back fed into the pre-game narrative of frazzled nerves — backs to the wall from the off? — Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 6 Feb. 2025 Not structurally, not visually, certainly not in terms of the frazzled dialogue screamed by its unjustly uncompensated cast, who improvised a bickering meltdown in the woods while their directors played mind games with them during black of night. — A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 30 July 2024 Feeling overworked, undervalued, and generally a bit frazzled? — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 4 Feb. 2025 The sea held my gaze, lulling my frazzled nervous system (as did the perfect Mexican margarita, putting Texan versions to shame). — Brittani Sonnenberg, Travel + Leisure, 1 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for frazzled

Word History

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of frazzled was in 1854

Rhymes for frazzled

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Cite this Entry

“Frazzled.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frazzled. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for frazzled

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