ABRASIVE Synonyms: 59 Similar and Opposite Words

abrasive

adjective

ə-ˈbrā-siv

Definition of abrasive

as in annoying

causing annoyance an abrasive display of rude behavior

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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.

Recent Examples of abrasive Dummy’s third full-length release tasks itself with offering an affirmation of life, spelled out in no uncertain terms through the thwack of DnB drumlines, abrasive distortion, and incisive songwriting. — Sue Park, Pitchfork, 22 Oct. 2026 Gabe, all of 16 years old — not that Carla could remember that off the top of her head — is abrasive and bright. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026 Someone who people think is abrasive and is screaming ‘Love me,’ but punching people at the same time. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 13 Oct. 2026 The ancient Greeks’ grooming was not limited to hair and beards; men used lotion from head to toe, often multiple times a day, and abrasive powders to brush their teeth. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for abrasive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abrasive

Adjective

That means lagless, stutter-free gameplay that all but eliminates annoying screen tearing.

— Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 5 Nov. 2026
Only Brady, Carer, Lewis, and Thien An, an unlikely coalition, vote for Eric, with the rest deciding that Brady, whose strength carried them through the tribe challenges, was just too volatile and annoying to take any further in the game.

— Brian Moylan, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of annoying

Adjective

But the current debate begins, like so many irritating conversations, with the 2016 election.

— David Weigel, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 2026
The process is used to transform raw, localized ingredients — such as rice, but also honey and soybeans — into more potent but non-irritating formulas that target cellular turnover and provide deep hydration by penetrating the skin more effectively.

— Kati Chitrakorn, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of irritating

Adjective

Gainey could not be reached for comment, but while the current O'Connor administration has been cooperating with investigators, Chief of Staff Dann Gilman said these revelations are disturbing.

— Andy Sheehan, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026
Even at their most disturbing, scenes describing carnage tend to be colorful and amusing.

— Matthew Jacobs, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of disturbing

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abrasions

abrasive

abreast

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“Abrasive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abrasive. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of abrasive

adjective

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