friction
noun
fric·tion
ˈfrik-shən 
1
a
: the rubbing of one body against another
the friction of sandpaper on wood
b
: the force that resists relative motion between two bodies in contact
oil in a car engine reduces friction
2
: the clashing between two persons or parties of opposed views : disagreement
friction between neighbors
friction between state and federal authorities
3
: sound produced by the movement of air through a narrow constriction in the mouth or glottis
frictionlessly
adverb
Examples of friction in a Sentence
the friction of sandpaper on wood
Oil in a car engine reduces friction.
It was difficult to reach an agreement because of the friction between the two sides.
Recent Examples on the Web
Quick decisions take precedence over nuanced discussions, but short-term efficiency often leads to long-term friction.
—
Chaitra Vedullapalli, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Her office’s handling of potential wrongful convictions has also led to friction in courtrooms.
—Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025
After a series of life-jarring moments and resurfaced personal friction, the trio hits a nightclub with their hunky White Lotus resort wellness guru Valentin (Arnas Fedaravičius), who brings along his Russian childhood friends Vlad (Yuri Kolokolnikov) and Aleksei (Julian Kostov).
—Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2025
Cargill's backstage conduct has reportedly caused friction, ending in a confrontation with Baszler.
—Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for friction
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.
Chaitra Vedullapalli, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Her office’s handling of potential wrongful convictions has also led to friction in courtrooms.
—Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025
After a series of life-jarring moments and resurfaced personal friction, the trio hits a nightclub with their hunky White Lotus resort wellness guru Valentin (Arnas Fedaravičius), who brings along his Russian childhood friends Vlad (Yuri Kolokolnikov) and Aleksei (Julian Kostov).
—Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2025
Cargill's backstage conduct has reportedly caused friction, ending in a confrontation with Baszler.
—Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for friction
Cite this Entry
“Friction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/friction. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
friction
noun
fric·tion
ˈfrik-shən
1
a
: the rubbing of one thing against another
b
: the force that resists motion between bodies in contact
the friction of a box sliding along the floor
lubrication reduces friction
2
: disagreement between persons or groups
3
: sound produced by the movement of air through a narrow constriction in the mouth or glottis
Etymology
Middle English friction "a rubbing of two things together, friction," from early French friction or Latin friction-, frictio (both same meaning), derived from Latin fricare "to rub" — related to fray entry 2
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share