1
as in to erode
to damage or diminish by continued friction
ropes abraded by the rocks were a huge danger to the climbers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
3
as in to scrape
to damage by rubbing against a sharp or rough surface
the yacht's once-flawless wooden hull had been badly abraded by years of rough dockings
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of abrade
It’s said to cause people to become irritable, aggravate health problems, and abrade mechanical devices.
—
Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
The cinematography, by Christopher Messina, feels as abraded as Linda’s psyche.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 7 Feb. 2025
If used, stakes should not abrade or constrict the trunk and should be fully removed after six to twelve months.
—Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 9 Jan. 2025
Toshiba and Hitachi have designed robots that use jets of high-pressure water and dry ice to abrade the surfaces of walls and floors; the robots will scour away radioactive materials along with top layers of paint or concrete and vacuum up the resulting sludge.
—IEEE Spectrum, 28 Feb. 2014
See All Example Sentences for abrade
Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
The cinematography, by Christopher Messina, feels as abraded as Linda’s psyche.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 7 Feb. 2025
If used, stakes should not abrade or constrict the trunk and should be fully removed after six to twelve months.
—Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 9 Jan. 2025
Toshiba and Hitachi have designed robots that use jets of high-pressure water and dry ice to abrade the surfaces of walls and floors; the robots will scour away radioactive materials along with top layers of paint or concrete and vacuum up the resulting sludge.
—IEEE Spectrum, 28 Feb. 2014
See All Example Sentences for abrade
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abrade
Verb
-
When people stop looking for work, unemployment improves on paper even as productive capacity erodes in reality.—
Katica Roy,
Fortune,
15 Oct. 2025
-
This has eroded the cash flow and equity farmers need to withstand changes in the market.—
Kate Nishimura,
Sourcing Journal,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Combining three different actives (AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs) in one product without totally irritating the skin seems like an impossible task, yet Some by Mi has accomplished it with this ease.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
8 Oct. 2025
-
Always dilute apple cider vinegar with water and drink through a straw to avoid damaging tooth enamel and irritating the esophagus.—
Maggie O'Neill,
Verywell Health,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Cook, stirring occasionally and pressing berries against side of pot, until berries have completely broken down and juices have thickened to jamlike consistency (wooden spoon scraped across bottom should leave clear trail that doesn’t fill in), 10 to 12 minutes.—
Cathy Thomas,
Oc Register,
13 Oct. 2025
-
To remove the pulp from the seeds, use a spoon or butter knife to scrape the pulp, separating it from the seeds, which may be discarded.—
Stephanie Ganz,
Southern Living,
12 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Tempo could help wear them out, as the Giants have pressured the quarterback on nearly 46% of their defensive snaps when Carter, Burns and Thibodeaux are on the field at the same time, according to Next Gen Stats.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
17 Oct. 2025
-
In her bestie Selena Gomez’s wedding photos, the Rare Beauty founder appeared to wear a number of white dresses for her nuptials to Benny Blanco in September.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
16 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
An old rag leaves behind streaks and lint, and a sponge can be abrasive, scratching the glass surface.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Oct. 2025
-
The procedure prevents the cat from being able to extend their claws, and is usually done to prevent them from scratching people, other animals, or furniture.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
But that was two decades ago, and the threads that tied me to France had begun to fray.—
Aislyn Greene,
AFAR Media,
15 Oct. 2025
-
Al-Omari is uneasy about signs that Arab unity on disarmament is already fraying.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
11 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Abrade.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abrade. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share