GRATE Synonyms: 119 Similar and Opposite Words

grate

verb

Definition of grate

as in to annoy

to disturb the peace of mind of (someone) especially by repeated disagreeable acts unintentionally or not, you say rude things that grate people

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to scratch

to pass roughly and noisily over or against a surface the sled grated along the bare pavement

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to grit

to press or strike against or together so as to make a scraping sound he grated the pieces of metal together

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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 grate For instance, try finely grated vegetables like zucchini, carrots and mushrooms, panko, ricotta cheese, yogurt or tomato paste. — Tribune News Service, Denver Post, 24 June 2026 For others, his cantankerous nature can be grating. — Elias Burke, New York Times, 21 June 2026 Your social world may grate on you today! — Usa Today, USA Today, 18 June 2026 Beat eggs, add salt and grated cheese, mix with corn and the prepared peppers, and pour into baking dish. — Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for grate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for grate

Verb

Paraguay’s tactics, seeking to frustrate and disrupt France, had annoyed Henry as well as the current team and coach.

— Stuart James, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Others are annoyed that its ambiguous language will create confusion over how — or if — the state will enforce compliance.

— Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 27 June 2026

Definition of annoy

Verb

Some scratches early in this past season led to reports of Mintyukov requesting a trade, but the smooth-skating blueliner improved his play and settled in on Anaheim’s second defense pairing.

— Eric Stephens, New York Times, 5 July 2026
In a game not known for high scores, the pace of goals in this World Cup has left some fans scratching their heads.

— Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 3 July 2026

Definition of scratch

Verb

The tequila shrimp empanadas disappear quickly, while the huitlacoche quesadilla folds Oaxaca cheese, mushrooms, roasted corn, and salsa macha crema into something deeper and earthier than most Midtown menus bother attempting.

— Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026
Maybe altering the letters bothered her most because publication inevitably makes the integrity of a letter—the message from writer to recipient—secondary.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 July 2026

Definition of bother

Verb

Stir the cream while scraping the frozen watermelon to get the watermelon incorporated into the cream.

— Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 10 July 2026
If the white finish has been scraped away or the leather has visible scratches, cleaning alone won’t completely restore the area.

— Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 9 July 2026

Definition of scrape

Verb

Avoid potentially irritating actives Immediately after shaving is not the time to reach for your strongest skin-care products.

— Emma-Jade Stoddart, Glamour, 5 July 2026
While some of my linen pieces feel scratchy, this one is ultra soft and doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin.

— Shea Simmons, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026

Definition of irritate

Verb

But the comfort extends beyond the insole, as the soft fabric straps help prevent rubbing while also lending the sandals a more elevated look.

— Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2026
Known for her dry humor and blunt honesty, Jeana has a tendency to rub her castmates the wrong way by saying exactly what’s on her mind.

— Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 10 July 2026

Definition of rub

Verb

Instead, as Laura bugs her sister long enough about just forgiving her already, Mary explodes.

— Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 11 July 2026
The group alleged that as well as hacking their phones, journalists from the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday tapped landlines and bugged houses and cars.

— K.J. Yossman, Variety, 7 July 2026

Definition of bug

Browse Nearby Words

grass (on)

grate

G-rated

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Style

“Grate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grate. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of grate

verb

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