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 When Hank and Peggy meet a new family who has moved into the neighborhood, the Laotian Souphanousinphones, Hank immediately dislikes the father, Kahn, who is abrasive, competitive, and often rude. — Jordana Rosenfeld, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Aug. 2026 When in doubt, opt for microfiber cloths, soft sponges, or non-abrasive scrubs. — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 20 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for abrasive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abrasive

Adjective

Yes, some of those fans are incredibly annoying—and some of those people aren’t even fans.

— Corey Seymour, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026
Would Berman, then 49 years old, care about the project, or would the superstar personality treat it as an annoying burden thrust on him by his employer’s media arrangement?

— Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of annoying

Adjective

Mars in your sign challenges disciplined Saturn, creating the deeply irritating experience of feeling motivated and blocked at the same time.

— Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 1 Sep. 2026
Brands that connect those steps—or simply remove one irritating point of friction—can create disproportionate value.

— Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of irritating

Adjective

Cynically or not, Chin and Vasarhelyi understand that these primal thrills are enough to distract us from the frustrating and sorrowful truth at the center of the story.

— Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2026
That’s part of what made the limitations during a few days or drills and only playing six preseason snaps extra concerning and frustrating for the 25-year-old.

— Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of frustrating

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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 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of abrasive

adjective

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