Synonyms of abrasive

abrasive

adjective

ə-ˈbrā-siv 

as in annoying

causing annoyance

an abrasive display of rude behavior

Synonyms & Similar Words

• annoying
• irritating
• frustrating
• disturbing
• aggravating
• exasperating
• irksome
• maddening
• vexatious
• painful
• bothersome
• vexing
• nettlesome
• pestilential
• rebarbative
• pestiferous
• pesky
• distractive
• galling
• nettling
• pesty
• pestilent
• chafing
• peeving
• riling
• stressful
• biting
• carking
• plaguey
• rankling
• infuriating
• troublesome
• mischievous
• offensive
• burdensome
• displeasing
• troubling
• importunate
• upsetting
• discomforting
• disquieting
• distressing
• tiresome
• enraging
• brattish
• bratty
• grating
• jarring
• angering
• spiny
• inconveniencing
• worrisome
• trying
• thorny
• importune
• jangling

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• delightful
• pleasing

Example Sentences

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

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