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 The cloths in this 24-pack are lint-free, soft, and non-abrasive. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 19 Aug. 2026 With 24 laps remaining, the Team Penske driver snatched the lead from Christopher Bell, who had pitted 20 laps earlier and was trying to stretch his tires to the finish on Richmond’s abrasive surface. — ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026 Baking soda is mildly abrasive and can get into porous material (like grout) to remove dirt without damaging it. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2026 Diisea Besides the inconvenience of lining up, one concern with traditional car washes is the potential for dirt and abrasive particles to cause micro-scratches on the paint or even damage sensors. — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for abrasive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abrasive

Adjective

Dimes Square has like an annoying stereotype — people are kind of like, uh, jeans and a tank top.

— Zach Schiffman, Curbed, 21 Aug. 2026
When Mel arrives, all hell breaks loose, but at least the perpetually charming Fisher is up for the task of playing someone who is both completely annoying and totally winning.

— Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of annoying

Adjective

His irritating habit of starting each meeting with the ping of a bell reinforces his personality.

— Oline Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026
The larger battery gives it the sort of range that makes an EV genuinely useful for long-distance driving, while the interior avoids some of the irritating touchscreen-heavy trends found elsewhere.

— Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of irritating

Adjective

At this point in the draft, every RB has questions, but volume remains king, and Harvey could be in a frustrating battle for touches all season.

— Jonathan Rubin, Charlotte Observer, 26 Aug. 2026
Bohm’s Phillies career has been sometimes frustrating, sometimes exciting, sometimes perplexing.

— Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of frustrating

Adjective

Last awards season, the gossip around town, salacious and disturbing in equal measure, was that hotel suites all over Hollywood were populated by tailors taking in gowns coming straight off the runway.

— Marti Noxon, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
The disturbing situation came to light after a tree fell on the home during a storm.

— Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 24 Aug. 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 29 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of abrasive

adjective

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