as in annoying
causing annoyance
an abrasive display of rude behavior
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of abrasive
Do not use abrasive scrubbers or steel wool, as these can scratch the surface of your range hood, especially if your hood is painted.
—
Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Oct. 2025
In those times of struggle, Doucoure, a hard-working and sometimes abrasive midfielder, seemed to encapsulate the fighting spirit and resistance better than most.
—Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
The former Orange County representative has been accused of being abrasive in the past.
—Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 8 Oct. 2025
Unlike other mass-market body sprays marketed to teenage boys, this one isn’t abrasive or musk-heavy; it can be misted on enthusiastically in a locker room or before school without overpowering.
—Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for abrasive
Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Oct. 2025
In those times of struggle, Doucoure, a hard-working and sometimes abrasive midfielder, seemed to encapsulate the fighting spirit and resistance better than most.
—Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
The former Orange County representative has been accused of being abrasive in the past.
—Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 8 Oct. 2025
Unlike other mass-market body sprays marketed to teenage boys, this one isn’t abrasive or musk-heavy; it can be misted on enthusiastically in a locker room or before school without overpowering.
—Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for abrasive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abrasive
Adjective
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Meynecke said his footage suggested the whales found their hangers-on annoying.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
8 Nov. 2025
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Thankfully, the best faux garlands offer the look and oftentimes feel of the real thing without the sticky sap or annoying cleanup.—
Kate McGregor,
Architectural Digest,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Formulated in Korea with natural, non-irritating ingredients suitable for sensitive skin, the face masks are the first example, infusing hydrating and calming ingredients such as Vitamin B12 and aloe.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
6 Nov. 2025
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Some viewers find her impulsiveness more irritating than endearing.—
Margaret Talbot,
New Yorker,
3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The Premier League has been a frustrating product this season.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
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Some of the diciest action – and most frustrating nights – for Powell involved sprinting across wet cobblestones or through a graveyard full of smoke in the dark.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Despite already having declared her candidacy, McKnight voiced disturbing and violent threats against Sheehy.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
7 Nov. 2025
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This story contains a description of a shooting some readers may find disturbing.—
Omar Jimenez,
CNN Money,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Abrasive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abrasive. Accessed 25 Nov. 2025.
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