as in annoying
causing annoyance
an abrasive display of rude behavior
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Recent Examples of abrasive
Things like abrasive cleaners, stiff scrub brushes, undiluted bleach, and strong acidic solutions can permanently scratch or dull the surface of acrylic and fiberglass tubs.
—
Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 10 Apr. 2026
After Musk’s departure, Amodei and other researchers chafed against the leadership of Brockman, whom some considered an abrasive operator, and of Sutskever, who was generally viewed as principled but disorganized.
—Ronan Farrow, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
Her co-star Richardson, who plays Twila, a small-town woman described as equal parts abrasive and fearless, will seek consideration in the supporting actress category.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 6 Apr. 2026
Journalism is often abrasive and confrontational.
—Max Tani, semafor.com, 6 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for abrasive
Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 10 Apr. 2026
After Musk’s departure, Amodei and other researchers chafed against the leadership of Brockman, whom some considered an abrasive operator, and of Sutskever, who was generally viewed as principled but disorganized.
—Ronan Farrow, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
Her co-star Richardson, who plays Twila, a small-town woman described as equal parts abrasive and fearless, will seek consideration in the supporting actress category.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 6 Apr. 2026
Journalism is often abrasive and confrontational.
—Max Tani, semafor.com, 6 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for abrasive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abrasive
Adjective
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Following an investigation, Nichols was also booked on suspicion of annoying or molesting a child under 18.—
Tim Fang,
CBS News,
13 Apr. 2026
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While Nichols remained in custody for the break-in, he was booked on an additional count of annoying or molesting a child under 18, police said.—
Cierra Morgan
Connect
April 13,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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In both Dream Scenario and The Drama, Borgli sides with the maligned, framing those who cast judgment as shrewish and needling (exemplified in The Drama with a deliciously irritating performance from Alana Haim).—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
31 Mar. 2026
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Here's where things get a bit irritating.—
Justin Pot,
PC Magazine,
13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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What’s especially frustrating is that this debate is being driven by politicians seeking to divide us, rather than families, coaches, and the people who are actually raising kids and protecting them.—
Mike Smith,
Denver Post,
12 Apr. 2026
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But that was not the mayor's most frustrating moment.—
Marcia Kramer,
CBS News,
12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
That boss who had sent Kim all those disturbing love letters and images.—
Peter Van Sant,
CBS News,
12 Apr. 2026
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Magyar’s most disturbing similarity with Orbán is his personality.—
Kapil Komireddi,
New Yorker,
10 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Abrasive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abrasive. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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