1
as in to erode
to damage or diminish by continued friction
ropes abraded by the rocks were a huge danger to the climbers
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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
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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
After the fall of Hosni Mubarak, ordinary Egyptians brought paint cans from home to Tahrir Square, to re-mark the curbs that had been flaked from years of government neglect, and abraded by tanks and flying bricks during the protests.
—Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 9 Dec. 2024
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
After the fall of Hosni Mubarak, ordinary Egyptians brought paint cans from home to Tahrir Square, to re-mark the curbs that had been flaked from years of government neglect, and abraded by tanks and flying bricks during the protests.
—Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 9 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for abrade
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abrade
Verb
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No matter the amount of money lost, being scammed can damage mental and physical health, erode self-confidence and diminish one’s quality of life.—
Madhusree Mukerjee,
Scientific American,
8 Oct. 2025
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If women, Black and brown Americans, and immigrants were driven out of the ranks, recruitment would crater, readiness would erode, and cohesion would collapse.—
Loree Sutton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
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
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The decision by Aaron Turner, Kuminga’s agent, to go on a media tour in recent weeks while negotiating publicly in hopes of landing a better offer for Kuminga, irritated some with the organization, according to league sources.—
Nick Friedell,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
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To determine whether a branch is dead or just dormant, scrape some of the bark away.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
5 Oct. 2025
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Data from Revelio Labs, which scrapes professional networking sites like LinkedIn, show a gain of 60,000 jobs last month, mostly in healthcare and education.—
Danny Bakst,
Fortune,
5 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The evidence that Song was the shooter comes from a green mask the assailant wore from which samples that tested positive for Song’s DNA were taken and from interviews with cooperating sources, FBI Special Agent Clark Wiethorn testified at the hearing.—
Emerson Clarridge,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
3 Oct. 2025
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In a recent campaign ad, Van Epps wears an Army uniform throughout the entire ad with patches and insignia removed.—
Vivian Jones,
Nashville Tennessean,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The potatoes will have delicate skin that can be easily bruised or scratched, so handle them with care.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
7 Oct. 2025
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But the Jaguars scratched and clawed their way back into the game thanks to a Devin Lloyd 99-yard interception return for a touchdown and Trevor Lawrence stumbling into the end zone for the game-winning touchdown.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
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But already the controls are fraying.—
MSNBC Newsweek,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Oct. 2025
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Many preventative care services are covered, at least partially, by insurance thanks to the Affordable Care Act, but experts say that net of protection has frayed over the years.—
Helen Carefoot,
Flow Space,
8 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Abrade.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abrade. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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