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
For example, a female executive who makes a firm decision may be described as abrasive or difficult, while a male executive making the same decision is viewed as decisive and strong.
—
Maia Niguel Hoskin,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
The music is occasionally delicate, oftentimes abrasive, and never not liberating: a constant stream of raw, unbridled exploration.
—
Olivier Lafontant,
Pitchfork,
9 June 2026
There’s a one-note quality to the film’s comedy that grows steadily, even deliberately, more abrasive over two hours, but the sad, brash, gradually shrinking bigness of the personalities at its center holds your attention.
—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
4 June 2026
Wash nonstick pans with mild detergent and a soft sponge, not abrasive scrubbers.
—
Ryan Brennan
june 2,
Sacbee.com,
3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for abrasive
Maia Niguel Hoskin,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
The music is occasionally delicate, oftentimes abrasive, and never not liberating: a constant stream of raw, unbridled exploration.
—
Olivier Lafontant,
Pitchfork,
9 June 2026
There’s a one-note quality to the film’s comedy that grows steadily, even deliberately, more abrasive over two hours, but the sad, brash, gradually shrinking bigness of the personalities at its center holds your attention.
—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
4 June 2026
Wash nonstick pans with mild detergent and a soft sponge, not abrasive scrubbers.
—
Ryan Brennan
june 2,
Sacbee.com,
3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for abrasive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abrasive
Adjective
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Scam texts are annoying for everyone.
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Others have blamed everything from feminism and long work commutes to annoying kiddy car seats.
Adjective
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Greenberg tried his best to ignore an irritating ankle injury that had plagued him the last couple of weeks and grimaced under the hazy sunlight as the pitcher, probably 20 or more years his junior, stared him down.
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The hypoallergenic face serum is free from potentially irritating ingredients, such as parabens and synthetic fragrances, too.
Adjective
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If this World Cup has been trying for Iran, it’s been frustrating for Belgium, which hasn’t scored a goal of its own.
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The Netherlands are coming off a frustrating 2-2 draw against Japan and desperately need a win to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Adjective
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That normalization may be the most disturbing aspect of all.
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Although the project is unlikely to affect Jackson’s popularity much, some of the revelations uncovered during the investigation are disturbing.
Cite this Entry
“Abrasive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abrasive. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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